We also led the project's environmental management, ensuring compliance with current regulations and the timely acquisition of environmental permits. This process involved developing technical studies and environmental impact assessments, as well as the implementation of environmental control and monitoring measures during construction.

Responsible practices were promoted in waste management, emissions control, protection of adjacent ecosystems, and preservation of air, soil, and water quality—helping mitigate negative effects on the surrounding environment. Priority was given to local, recyclable, and low-impact materials, along with sustainable construction technologies, significantly reducing the project’s carbon footprint.

The project was built around three fundamental pillars that guided the transformation of Claro Arena:

• Community: “Open House” sessions with neighborhood residents captured their concerns and informed the design. Harmonious coexistence was prioritized through satellite parking and efficient traffic flow.
• Climate: The design addresses extreme temperatures and water scarcity through greywater reuse and synthetic turf, saving up to 100,000 liters of water per day during summer.
• Resources: More than 2,100 tons of recycled steel and 1,600 m³ of mass timber were incorporated, alongside 400+ solar panels and a 100% renewable electricity supply contract.

Each pillar was essential to creating a modern, sustainable stadium aligned with present and future environmental and social needs.

Community commitment before infrastructure

The stadium enjoys a privileged location at the foothills of the Andes, surrounded by upscale residences in one of Santiago’s most exclusive districts. However, since its opening in 1988, tensions with neighbors had limited Universidad Católica’s aspirations as a top-tier Chilean football club.

 “We knew Universidad Católica wanted to renovate the stadium but couldn’t secure municipal approval. So, we proposed a different approach. Instead of presenting a design to the community, we suggested starting by listening—asking neighbors about their experience living near the stadium. The design was then adapted to mitigate the issues they identified”, explained Sebastián Luongo, Commercial Manager at WSP in Chile.

Community engagement was therefore central to the project, effectively integrating social factors into environmental decision-making. Early and active participation helped identify risks and opportunities, reinforce local relationships, and ensure a more inclusive and harmonious development. According to Sandra Botteselle, Environmental Manager, taking part in the Environmental Impact Declaration (DIA) process represented a significant challenge given the limited national experience with projects of this nature.

Innovation to reduce environmental impact

The renovation of Claro Arena incorporates engineering and design solutions that position it among the most sustainable sports venues in the region. Its architecture integrates energy efficiency criteria, low-impact materials, and clean technologies that substantially reduce its environmental footprint.

• Supplemented 100% certified renewable energy, supported by a supply agreement with Enel.
• 400+ solar panels on the roof generating approximately 350 MWh per year—equivalent to the energy used across six monthly football matches—avoiding around 1,700 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
• 1,500 kW of installed electrical capacity, ensuring stable operation during high-demand events.
• Next-generation synthetic turf (FieldTurf) with shock pads and organic cork infill, drastically reducing water consumption and maintenance costs compared to natural grass..
• Low-consumption LED lighting, EV charging stations, and landscaping with native species adapted to Santiago’s climate..

Low-consumption LED lighting, EV charging stations, and landscaping with native species adapted to Santiago’s climate.

Noise and light pollution solutions through roof redesign

The stadium’s roof renovation addressed long-standing acoustic and light pollution concerns by constructing an entirely new, independent structure above the existing one. The upgrade increased seating capacity from 14,000 to 20,000, added five levels above the main grandstand, and modernized facilities with multipurpose spaces for year-round use beyond matches and concerts.

Two major neighborhood concerns—noise and lighting—were resolved: old lighting towers were replaced with downward-oriented fixtures on the new roof, reducing light spillover, while the north façade received acoustic insulation to mitigate sound impact on nearby homes.

Traffic solutions through alternatives to car use

Connections to public transportation were improved, and partnerships with electric mobility providers expanded non-motorized transport options. The former free parking area became paid, and no new parking spaces were built on-site, in line with a strategy to discourage car use.

As Luongo explained, “If you increase parking spaces, you increase cars.” To avoid traffic queues, an efficient internal circulation system was implemented. Satellite parking facilities were added, and venue access points increased from two to three to better distribute crowds.

Recognition in sports infrastructure

Inspired by global references such as the Mercedes-Benz Stadium (USA), Claro Arena earned multiple national and international awards in 2025, cementing its reputation as a model of modern, forward-focused infrastructure. These achievements reflect our ability to integrate engineering, design, and governance with strategic vision, creating long-term value and contributing to more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities:

• Awarded Outstanding Infrastructure Project of the Year” by the Chilean Association of Engineering Consulting Firms (AIC).
• Winner of the Sustainability Delivered Award in the category “Sustainability from Design to Operation” at The Stadium Business Design & Development Awards* held in Old Trafford (Manchester).
• Finalist for “Best Destination” and “Façade & Exterior,” highlighting its architectural and urban contribution.
• Featured as a key case study at Estadios Summit 2025 in Madrid.
• Achieved FIFA Quality Pro certification, the highest international standard for sports surfaces.

These recognitions validate the project’s excellence and WSP’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that transform urban environments and shape the cities of tomorrow.
 
 

The development of Claro Arena was made possible thanks to a team of specialists who combined vision, technical rigor, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Their coordinated work ensured high-quality standards, close community engagement, and a transformation that now positions the stadium as a regional model of sustainable sports infrastructure and responsible urban development.

This project demonstrates how engineering and sustainability can reimagine spaces, drive retrofitting, and shape more responsible and people-centered environments.

Key team members:

• Velko Zuvic, Engineering Operations Manager
• Sandra Botteselle, Environmental Manager
• Pablo Carvajal, Buildings Project Manager
• Álvaro Urrutia, Buildings Project Coordinator
• Sebastián Luongo, Commercial Manager