Monumental villa in Amsterdam goes from energy label G to A++ thanks to canal water

A monumental office villa located on the Weteringschans in Amsterdam is undergoing a significant sustainable transformation to improve its energy efficiency. By installing specialized heat exchangers in the adjacent canal, the building will utilize aquathermy to heat and cool the premises. This innovative approach allows the historic structure to transition from an energy label G rating to an A++ rating, marking a notable achievement for heritage preservation without relying on subsidies.

In addition to the water-based heat pump system, the project includes the installation of hidden solar panels and upgraded window insulation. Experts from De Groene Grachten, the advisory firm behind the renovation, suggest that this method could be scaled to support heating for approximately 40,000 households in the city. The initiative aligns with the municipality’s broader vision to harness local energy sources found within the canal network, turning historical waterways into sustainable utilities for the city's future.