Category: Clean Energy

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

How can potential partners work with you?
Were showing that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help construct brand brand-new solar tasks. Even huge business that have led the way in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over reduction strategies or where decreases may not be instant.

Inform us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to assist them cut (or reclaim) 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 value on the building and construction of brand-new solar capability thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a new funding structure that enables a wider variety of companies to get involved, while likewise being deliberate about the communities where were investing to accomplish an equitable clean 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 deal with both dirty grids and economically distressed neighborhoods with our solar tasks
.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
One of the greatest obstacles for us, as a fairly brand-new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is earning credibility with industry leaders who might be used to doing things a particular method. Clearloop is challenging some of the conventional methods in which brand-new solar developments have actually been funded, and bringing attention to brand-new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the business procurement discussion.

Clearloop started as a concept that morphed into a company. In the early days– even before we had decided on the name– we were checking out the theory that more companies need to invest in cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be invested improving the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by building new solar projects in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help construct brand name brand-new solar projects. Even huge companies that have actually led the method in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the biggest piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they might have little control over reduction methods or where reductions may not be immediate.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation features market leaders and subjects related to accelerating an equitable and just transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are prospering in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member business founded by three Tennesseans who wish to make sure that the innovation and advantages of eco-friendly energy reach all communities around our nation similarly, starting with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left behind. Click HERE to read more 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
.
What inspired you to start your business?
Clearloop started as a concept that morphed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had selected the name– we were checking out the theory that more business require to purchase cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be spent boosting the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is restricted. For me, as one of three creators, this business was influenced by the desire to bring clarity to a big issue with a basic option. We wanted business to take climate action in the exact same community that invited my household as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the path was unclear
.

For more information about Clearloop, go to https://clearloop.us/.
###.

Original text too long. Text can have up to 4,000 words.

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment includes market leaders and topics related to speeding up an equitable and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member business founded by three Tennesseans who wish to make sure that the innovation and advantages of sustainable energy reach all neighborhoods around our nation similarly, beginning with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left behind. Click HERE to read more about Clearloops effect.
The following is a Q&A with Clearloop Co-Founder Laura Zapata and Constance Thompson, ACOREs Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs
.
What inspired you to start your business?
Clearloop began as an idea that changed into a business. In the early days– even before we had picked the name– we were testing out the theory that more business require to buy cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be spent boosting the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is restricted. For me, as one of 3 creators, this company was inspired by the desire to bring clarity to a big issue with a basic service. We wanted business to take environment action in the very same community that welcomed my household as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the course was uncertain
.

To get more information about Clearloop, go to https://clearloop.us/.
###.

How can potential partners work with you?
Were proving that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help build brand name new solar projects. Even big companies that have actually led the way in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the biggest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over reduction methods or where reductions might not be immediate.

Clearloop began as a concept that morphed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had actually chosen on the name– we were checking out the theory that more companies require to invest in cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be invested boosting the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is restricted. Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with business of all sizes to assist them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by building new solar jobs in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you do not need to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase contract to help construct brand name new solar projects. Even huge companies that have actually led the way in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the most significant portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over decrease methods or where reductions may not be instant.

Inform us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with business of all sizes to assist them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by constructing brand-new solar tasks in American communities otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon value on the building and construction of new solar capability thats determined in watts, not watt-hours, with a new funding structure that permits a larger array of business to get involved, while also being intentional about the communities where were investing to attain an equitable tidy energy future. We recently broke ground on our first utility-connected solar task in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be concentrating on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we deal with both filthy grids and financially distressed communities with our solar jobs
.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
One of the greatest challenges for us, as a fairly brand-new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is making credibility with industry leaders who may be utilized to doing things a particular way. Clearloop is challenging some of the traditional methods in which brand-new solar advancements have actually been financed, and bringing attention to brand-new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the business procurement conversation.

This belongs of a series of article enhancing community voices..
Michelle DePass was worked with to handle the City of Portlands Sustainability at Work program, which helped organizations reduce waste and energy, and now works on the Citys the Equity and Engagement group. DePass is also serving as the 2021-2022 chair of the Portland Public Schools Board, the states biggest school district, and she is the very first Black lady to hold this position. She is a fellow with School Board Partners, an organization whose mission is to develop anti-racist school boards, to essentially change the academic experiences of kids of color in the U.S. Through her work and advocacy, DePass concentrates on helping with neighborhood discussions about crucial subjects consisting of the crossway in between racial equity and the effects of environment modification..
Q: Tell us about yourself and your profession. How did you enter into the field of sustainability?.
My maternal grandparents, like lots of Black individuals, moved from the South to Portland to leave the results of Jim Crow and for a task. My paternal grandmother, with my papa in tow, used her lottery earnings to emigrate from Panama..
As a native-born Oregonian, Ive long had an interest in what we are now calling “sustainability.” Like lots of Black families, we cared deeply about natural deposits, about recycling, switching off the lights when no one was in a room, minimizing what we put in the garbage, keeping the heat in or the cold out and buying locally and seasonally. Our interest in natural resource conservation had financial roots, not always ecological roots..
Historically the city of Portland did not serve Black homeowners for garbage service where my grandparents and many other Black households lived. And so, a Black next-door neighbor and his kid established 2 trash paths that served Black households in Albina. The trash was picked up every other week, just like it is now, however this development came from Portlands Black neighborhood in action to the citys lack of service. Neighbors might put out one small grocery sized bag of trash. The practice of minimizing waste has long roots in my Black neighborhood..
Since the activities they described were all about developing capability in low-income, varied neighborhoods through urban gardening.
Expertly, I have actually worked as a specialist for Energy Trust of Oregon, establishing a green structure program for the Home Builders Association; at the Cadmus Group, as a data expert and critic of energy effectiveness programs; and now at the City of Portland as the former program manager of the Sustainability at Work program, a program we chose to sunset because we were not serving varied service owners. The racial uprising of 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, and COVID shutdowns made this a prompt choice..
I consider myself to be a survivor expertly. I am growing in a system that was not created for people who look like me to be successful. I delight in the huge challenges and problem solving around how we develop a system that is better, stronger, more fair and more resilient than the present system. I believe that when we work to have more racial and cultural variety around the table, well have better outcomes for everyone.. The general public sector where I work for circumstances, still has difficulties to conquer. According to a current report by the City African American Network, the City of Portland has lost over 42% of its Black staff members since 2019. Weve lost a lot more Black staff members given that the report was published in March. Im interested in finding out why we have this issue in Portland. This issue is not isolated to civil service. Im thinking the bulk of the organizations the City of Portland certified as sustainable do not use Brown and black staff members in management positions either..
Q: Describe your work in Oregon and the role sustainability plays.?.
To communities of color, the term “sustainability” is code for “there is no place for you.” Its these communities who experience the effects of climate change first. These are failures we havent dealt with in the ecological motion; what does sustainability suggest? How does your neighborhood specify sustainability? Do our definitions have a relationship? Its a traditional example of problem resolving in a bubble; a mainly white, mainstream ecological bubble. We require to enhance the voices of the people who are being affected, who experience the impacts of environment change first and take longer to recuperate..
When I started as program supervisor of the Sustainability at Work program, I realized I was bringing a much deeper understanding of sustainability that was wider than the programs focus. I questioned why we werent doing more from the equity or “individuals” lens. Things like asking companies where their dollars are being spent, understanding the longer a dollar flows in Portland, the much better it is for our community; taking a look at pay differential in between the leading earner and the mean income earner; looking at whether business had staff member health care; and if companies worked with individuals of color, do/did those people of color hold choice making positions or had paths in which to do so. These are conversations and activities business can engage in beyond just recycling paper under their desks or encouraging employees to bring their own resilient water container.. Sustainability is a three-legged stool: people, world, profit. The Sustainability at Work program model was unique; it was not serving business owners of color; it was focused on the ” planet” piece and steeped in a mainstream, white environmentalist view of sustainability, instead of on individuals side of sustainability. To try and fix these problems, I pushed our program to focus on the human side, and the impacts of climate change on bad people and people of color..
After George Floyd was murdered, I think business recognized that now is the time to do things in a different way. Business want different, more simply outcomes. And we will not slow environment modification unless we get this right..
Q: What are the greatest difficulties youve dealt with in advancing sustainability efforts in your field?.
From the viewpoint of my current job and being a Black woman in the workplace, one of the things I think of is how hated Black people are. Ive had great deals of tasks in Portland — not because Ive wished to change tasks necessarily, but simply due to the fact that its challenging to reveal up Black, perfectly capable and skilled in driving modification. Change is unpleasant for everyone, and yet getting comfortable with discomfort will be a key skill in this hotter world with the huge issues we require to address..
Q: What modifications have you seen, or do you anticipate to see, in your market as an outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic?.
Youve seen in the news that many American workers dont desire to go back to their work environments. As an introvert that likes working from house, I could not concur more. I miss my coworkers, but I think working from house allows you to prevent a few of those microaggressions like having your hair touched or getting talk about your big earrings..
This time is also supplying an opportunity for groups to grow and learn. The work is uncomfortable, however I think the hybrid work schedule can provide some comfort while having those conversations..
Q: What thrills you most about the future of your work?.
Q: What is your suggestions to females entering your field?.
Find a couple of mentors. It is nice to have a coach in your company and another mentor outside your organization. If you think you have it bad, theres constantly somebody who has it even worse.
Discover how to develop your voice and acknowledge its value. Weve been acculturated to not be loud and aggressive but attempt it out! Say whats on your mind and trust your gut..

And so, a Black neighbor and his boy developed two garbage paths that served Black families in Albina. The garbage was chosen up every other week, much like it is now, but this development came from Portlands Black neighborhood in response to the citys lack of service. Its these communities who experience the effects of climate change. After George Floyd was killed, I think companies acknowledged that now is the time to do things in a different way. Find out how to develop your voice and recognize its worth.

Original text too long. Text can have up to 4,000 words.

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

For more information about Clearloop, go to https://clearloop.us/.
###.

Tell us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by building brand-new solar tasks in American communities otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the building and construction of brand-new solar capability thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a brand-new financing structure that enables a broader variety of business to participate, while likewise being deliberate about the neighborhoods where were investing to achieve an equitable clean energy future. We just recently began on our very first utility-connected solar project in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be focusing on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we take on both filthy grids and financially distressed communities with our solar jobs
.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
One of the greatest challenges for us, as a fairly new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is making trustworthiness with market leaders who might be used to doing things a certain method. Clearloop is challenging some of the standard methods which brand-new solar advancements have actually been financed, and bringing attention to brand-new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the business procurement discussion. Im a real believer that our perspective from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as founders from really different backgrounds, has brought into focus why we require more creative solutions to help tidy up the grid. Weve been encouraged by corporate partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, along with brand names like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove purchased recovering their carbon footprint by helping us build our extremely first solar project. Weve likewise had the excellent fortune of finding like-minded organizations like ACORE who recognize the value of bringing varied viewpoints to tidying up the grid and have in fact developed a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
.

Clearloop started as an idea that morphed into a business. In the early days– even before we had decided on the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more business require to invest in cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be spent enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to assist them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by constructing brand-new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase contract to help construct brand name brand-new solar jobs. Even big companies that have led the method in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the greatest chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over reduction strategies or where reductions may not be immediate.

How can potential partners work with you?
Were showing that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase contract to help build brand name new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have blazed a trail in renewable resource procurement are now confronted with the truth that the greatest chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over reduction methods or where reductions may not be instant. That is where Clearloop can be found in– were a new tool for organizations little and big to take tangible climate action today and assist us decarbonize the grid in the places that require it the many. We need more imaginative methods to help tackle the environment crisis in such a way that purchases the places where that dollar produces more financial opportunity and social mobility for the communities where were developing. Were firm followers that the ecological, health, and financial advantages of tidy energy financial investments ought to reach all corners of our nation and were searching for partners who are prepared to take action
.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation features market leaders and topics connected to accelerating an equitable and just shift to an eco-friendly energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member business founded by three Tennesseans who wish to ensure that the innovation and advantages of sustainable energy reach all neighborhoods around our nation similarly, beginning with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left. Click HERE to read more 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
.
What inspired you to start your business?
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 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 limited.

The City of Portland is now accepting propositions for financing from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund.
PCEF was produced by a ballot procedure passed in 2018 by Portland voters to carry out climate actions that center on equity and serve traditionally underrepresented populations.
Now in its 2nd year, the program will award about $60 million to qualified nonprofits to send propositions benefiting benefit neighborhoods of color, low-income Portlanders and disadvantaged Portlanders in the locations of:

Nonprofits can use directly or partner with other groups, including for-profit businesses. Applications will be accepted till November 30.
While Energy Trust is not directly included in PCEF and does get PCEF funding, it has worked with PCEF applicants and financed companies from the first round of moneying to much better serve clients of color and low-income customers.
For example, Energy Trust is supporting Community Energy Project, which was awarded PCEF funds in April, in providing home retrofits for Black house owners, and Constructing Hope, another PCEF recipient, in providing labor force training.
Find out more about the request for propositions and how Energy Trust can help groups considering applying.

clean energy (including energy effectiveness and solar) jobs
workforce development, professional training and assistance
green facilities and regenerative farming
innovation

Original text too long. Text can have up to 4,000 words.

Even with more EVs on the road every year and significant car manufacturers racing to release a complete line of electric automobiles, the typical individual still believes that driving tidy with an EV is out of their reach. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that the typical American drives approximately 40 miles each day– a distance the average EV can easily handle.Plus, simply like new innovation is driving down the cost of EVs, its driving up their variety. Considering that the electrical motor produces 100% of its available torque immediately, an EV is generally quicker than a gas-powered car. So many more emissions come from driving a gas-powered car that, when you look at the full life cycles of each automobile, the EV is substantially cleaner from cradle to grave.Manufacturing and upkeep are the only carbon footprints that an EV cant entirely avoid. And if you live in Texas and drive a Tesla, you can even utilize the Green Mountain App to track how much CO2 youre preventing in genuine time when you sign up for a strategy with us.The hesitancy to leap into an electric car is based on the EVs supposed restrictions when compared with standard, polluting gas-powered vehicles.

Even with more EVs on the roadway every year and major car makers racing to release a full line of electrical cars, the average individual still thinks that driving clean with an EV is out of their reach. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that the typical American drives roughly 40 miles each day– a range the typical EV can easily handle.Plus, simply like new innovation is driving down the price of EVs, its driving up their variety. So lots of more emissions come from driving a gas-powered automobile that, when you look at the complete life cycles of each vehicle, the EV is significantly cleaner from cradle to grave.Manufacturing and maintenance are the only carbon footprints that an EV cant completely avoid.

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

Clearloop started as an idea that changed into a company. In the early days– even prior to we had chosen on the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more business require to invest in cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be spent boosting the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to assist them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by developing new solar jobs in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help build brand name brand-new solar tasks. Even big companies that have actually led the method in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the most significant chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over reduction methods or where reductions may not be immediate.

Inform us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to assist them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and expand access to tidy energy by building brand-new solar projects 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 brand-new financing structure that permits a wider array of companies to get involved, while likewise being intentional about the communities where were investing to attain an equitable clean energy future. We recently began on our very first utility-connected solar project in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be focusing on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we tackle both dirty grids and economically distressed neighborhoods with our solar projects
.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
One of the most significant obstacles for us, as a fairly new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is making trustworthiness with industry leaders who may be used to doing things a specific way. Clearloop is challenging a few of the standard methods which new solar developments have been financed, and bringing attention to brand-new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the corporate procurement conversation. Im a real follower that our vantage point from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as creators from really different backgrounds, has brought into focus why we need more imaginative services to assist clean up the grid. Weve been encouraged by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, as well as brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove invested in recovering their carbon footprint by assisting us construct our really first solar project. Weve likewise had the fantastic fortune of finding like-minded companies like ACORE who recognize the value of bringing diverse viewpoints to cleaning up the grid and have really built a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
.

To read more about Clearloop, see https://clearloop.us/.
###.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation features market leaders and topics connected to speeding up a fair and simply shift to a sustainable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member company founded by three Tennesseans who wish to ensure that the development and benefits of renewable resource reach all communities around our nation equally, starting with the communities that have a history of getting left behind. Click HERE for 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
.
What inspired you to start your business?
Clearloop began as an idea that changed into a business. In the early days– even before we had actually chosen the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more business require to invest in cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be invested increasing the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is restricted. For me, as one of three founders, this company was inspired by the desire to bring clarity to a big problem with an easy solution. We wanted business to take environment action in the same neighborhood that welcomed my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the path was unclear
.

How can possible partners work with you?
Were showing that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase contract to assist develop brand brand-new solar projects. Even huge companies that have actually led the method in renewable 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 might have little control over decrease techniques or where decreases might not be instant.