Building

Sustainable construction

Sustainability is an important criterion for public tenders. Starting in 2010, 160 of all 200 primary schools will be renovated to create a better indoor climate.

This should result in improved learning, a 30 to 40% reduction in CO2, less energy costs and a reduction in time taken off work due to sickness by students and teachers.

Stamp of approval

The Dutch Green Building Council (DGBC) has its headquarters in Amsterdam - an organisation of over 100 companies specialised in the fields of developing and constructing buildings. The DGBC introduced the BREEAM label, an internationally-recognised label that indicates how sustainable a building is. Visit Dutch Green Building Council for more information.

'Green Key' Hotels

Hotels in the city have also been working on their sustainability thanks to the Green Key. Green Key is an internationally-recognised label that combines CSR and sustainability to make hotels sustainable, looking at areas ranging from water savings to management. Currently, 45% of all beds in Amsterdam have the Green Key label, making Amsterdam an international leader in sustainable hotels. For more information visit Green Key (in Dutch).

Most sustainable buildings

• City District Office Westerpark

• Housing Corporation Eigen Haard office building

• Amsterdam Academy of Music

• Timorplein Building

• City Dockyard

• Vliegbasis de Huijgens business centre

• Amsterdam City Archives (De Bazel)

• The Sportplaza

• Nieuwe Oosterbegraafplaats Funeral Museum

• The Amsterdam Public Library (OBA) - Completed in 2007, the Amsterdam Public Library (OBA) now welcomes more than 5,000 visitors every day. The ultimate in user-friendly design, it features free internet, a restaurant and windows from floor to ceiling. In 2008, it was voted the most sustainable public building in Amsterdam. The building is constructed primarily using renewable materials and solar panels have been fitted on the roof.