001-45_127_NOV-DEC_LAYOUT_PT - Flipbook - Page 8
INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS
AROUND THE
WORLD AND BACK
ReNew Canada’s annual tour around the globe
CHILE
CLARO ARENA
THE INAUGURATION of Claro Arena, the newly renovat-
ed home stadium of Club Deportivo Universidad
Católica in Santiago, Chile, marks a significant
milestone in the evolution of sustainable sports
infrastructure in Latin America. Designed as a
multifunctional venue for sports, culture, and community engagement, the project demonstrates how
engineering excellence, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion can be integrated to create
a resilient and future-ready asset.
WSP played a leading role throughout the project, providing multidisciplinary services including
engineering design, project management, construction management, environmental management, and
sustainability strategy implementation. From the
earliest planning stages, sustainability was embedded into every aspect of the development, ensuring
compliance with environmental regulations while
aligning with the expectations of local communities
and broader climate commitments.
The project was structured around three key
pillars: community, climate, and resources. Community engagement became a defining element of the
project. Rather than presenting a finalized design to
residents, the project team adopted an early consultation approach through open-house sessions with
neighbouring communities. This process allowed
concerns related to traffic, noise, and lighting to be
incorporated into the design, helping build trust and
secure support for the redevelopment.
Climate resilience was another central focus.
Given Santiago’s increasing water scarcity and exposure to extreme temperatures, the stadium incorporates innovative water-saving measures, including
greywater reuse systems and a state-of-the-art
synthetic turf field. Together, these solutions can save
up to 100,000 litres of water per day during the
summer months.
Resource efficiency was equally important. The
construction utilized more than 2,100 tonnes of
recycled steel, 1,600 cubic meters of mass timber,
and over 400 solar panels. These initiatives are complemented by a 100 per cent renewable electricity
supply agreement, significantly reducing the stadium’s operational carbon footprint.
The renovated venue features several sustainability-focused innovations, including solar generation
capable of producing approximately 350 MWh
annually, energy-efficient LED lighting, electric vehicle charging stations, and landscaping with native
plant species adapted to Santiago’s climate. Combined, these measures prevent an estimated 1,700
tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
A major architectural intervention involved
the construction of a new roof structure, which
addressed two longstanding concerns from neighbouring residents: noise and light pollution. The
redesign increased stadium capacity from 14,000
to 20,000 spectators, modernized the facilities,
added multipurpose spaces, and incorporated
downward-facing lighting systems and acoustic
treatments to minimize impacts on surrounding
residential areas.
Transportation strategies also prioritized sustainability by discouraging private vehicle use, improving
access to public transportation, introducing satellite
parking areas, and expanding venue access points
to improve traffic flow.
Recognized nationally and internationally for its
innovation and sustainability performance, Claro
Arena has become a benchmark for modern stadium development. The project demonstrates how
thoughtful engineering, stakeholder engagement,
and environmental stewardship can transform
sports venues into catalysts for more sustainable,
inclusive, and resilient cities.
WSP
8—RENEW CANADA – NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
