_header.jpg?ext=.jpg&width=2000&resizemode=force 2000w)
About the Project
More than 300,000 indigenous Peruvians living in the remote Andean mountains are affected by “Heladas,” or extreme frost, which has been exacerbated by climate change. Heladas contribute to hundreds of respiratory illnesses and related fatalities each year, especially among children and the elderly.
Bechtel.org and our partners, including the Peruvian government and the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PCUP), developed, designed, and tested a first-of-a-kind technology system that captures, stores, and transfers thermal heat from the sun to provide a livable inside temperature in the evening when outside temperatures fall to –10 °C (14 °F). The system provides a comprehensive solution to a long-standing climate, health, and safety problem. Having been successfully tested with prototypes now under production, bechtel.org is turning its sights toward installing the system in new homes across the remote Andean region to help improve the lives of thousands of affected indigenous families.
Making an Impact
On The Ground: Progress Updates
The Sumaq Wasi project is currently in Phase 1 continuing to pilot and validate solar thermal capture technology in a controlled environment at the PUCP campus in Lima and selected communities in Cusco.
Contribution to Impact
-
320 people from indigenous households engaged
-
18°C living temperature achieved
-
9,000 insulated homes delivered
Contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals
 |
 |
 |
