Abstract

This paper explores how preventive conservation for built heritage is promoted and implemented around Europe, compares the different practices, and identifies some of the necessary conditions for them to be effective and successful. It pulls together a broad range of initiatives including recently launched and lesser known schemes. Since Monumentenwacht was introduced in Netherlands, similar inspection service schemes have been launched in nine European countries. Comparative analysis shows a great diversity in their management, the spectrum of services, sources of income and other aspects. Other important models contributing to the improved maintenance of built environment include heritage centres, databases of contractors, one-off campaigns, conservation manuals, and maintenanceenforcement. Interdependencies observed between them suggest that their co-existence is essential for preventive conservation system to be truly effective.