ROTTERDAM, 10 December 2024 – Rotterdam is updating its building standards to prioritise sustainability and climate-conscious practices. The revised guidelines mark a significant step towards environmentally friendly construction in the city.
Rotterdam updates building policy with focus on sustainability
The municipality of Rotterdam has introduced an updated version of its “Welstandsnota” (building aesthetics policy) to address modern challenges related to sustainability and climate adaptation. This revision includes notable additions that align construction practices with principles of circularity, biodiversity, and renewable energy.
Rotterdam is the first of the Netherlands' four largest cities to integrate sustainability on such a broad scale into its building standards. Additionally, the updated guidelines reflect newly designated national heritage cityscapes (rijksbeschermde stadsgezichten) recognised since 2012.
Emphasis on sustainable construction
In April 2024, Rotterdam's municipal council approved relaxed rules for installing energy-generating panels in protected cityscapes and on historical monuments. The newly revised policy builds on this by setting criteria for sustainable materials with long lifespans or those suitable for circular use. It also offers guidance for energy-efficient solutions, such as solar panels, insulation, and green facades.
These updates are part of Rotterdam's broader efforts to meet climate targets outlined in the Paris Agreement. Despite the changes, the general structure of the Welstandsnota remains largely intact, albeit in a more compact and user-friendly format.
Improving quality of life
The Welstandsnota, originally published in 2012, serves as a framework for the Commission for Environmental Quality and Cultural Heritage when assessing building permits. By updating these criteria, the city aims to ensure that construction projects contribute to a pleasant and sustainable living environment.
According to Alderman Zeegers: “With this revision of the Welstandsnota, Rotterdam takes an important step towards a sustainable and liveable future, protecting both the climate and the beauty of our city.”
Public consultation process
On 10 December 2024, Rotterdam’s executive board decided to revise the Welstandsnota. The updated policy will be available for public consultation from 16 December 2024 until 27 January 2025, during which time citizens can submit their opinions via
