Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Laura Zapata, Co-Founder of Clearloop
By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021
Inform us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with business of all sizes to assist them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by constructing new solar jobs in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the construction of new solar capacity thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a new financing structure that permits a wider range of business to take part, while likewise being deliberate about the neighborhoods where were investing to achieve an equitable tidy energy future. We recently broke ground on our first utility-connected solar project in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be concentrating on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we tackle both unclean grids and financially distressed communities with our solar jobs
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What challenges do you face? Why?
Among the biggest obstacles for us, as a relatively brand-new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is earning credibility with market leaders who may be utilized to doing things a certain way. Clearloop is challenging a few of the traditional ways in which brand-new solar developments have been funded, and bringing attention to brand-new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the business procurement conversation. Im a real follower that our vantage point from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as creators from really different backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we require more creative services to assist clean up the grid. Weve been motivated by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, in addition to brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove purchased recovering their carbon footprint by assisting us construct our extremely first solar project. Weve also had the fantastic fortune of finding similar organizations like ACORE who recognize the value of bringing diverse viewpoints to cleaning up the grid and have in fact built a program like Accelerate to ensure we have a seat at the table
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Clearloop began as an idea that changed into a company. In the early days– even before we had chosen on the name– we were checking out the theory that more business need to invest in cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be invested improving the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and expand access to tidy energy by constructing brand-new solar tasks in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase agreement to help construct brand name brand-new solar tasks. Even big companies that have actually led the way in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over decrease methods or where decreases may not be instant.
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment includes market leaders and topics connected to speeding up a fair and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are prospering in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member company established by 3 Tennesseans who wish to make certain that the innovation and advantages of sustainable energy reach all neighborhoods around our nation similarly, starting with the communities that have a history of getting left. Click HERE to get more information about Clearloops impact.
The following is a Q&A with Clearloop Co-Founder Laura Zapata and Constance Thompson, ACOREs Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs
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What inspired you to begin your business?
Clearloop began as a concept that changed into a business. In the early days– even before we had decided on the name– we were testing out the theory that more companies require to invest in cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be spent improving the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is restricted.
How can possible partners work with you?
Were showing that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase contract to assist develop brand new solar projects. Even big business that have actually led the way in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the most significant piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over reduction methods or where decreases might not be immediate.
For more information about Clearloop, check out https://clearloop.us/.
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