Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Laura Zapata, Co-Founder of Clearloop

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

Clearloop began as a concept that morphed into a business. In the early days– even before we had actually decided on the name– we were testing out the theory that more business require to invest in cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be spent increasing 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 broaden access to tidy energy by developing brand-new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you do not need to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist construct brand name new solar jobs. Even huge companies that have led the way in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over reduction strategies or where decreases might not be instant.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment includes market leaders and topics associated with accelerating a fair and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Today, we are including 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, beginning with the communities that have a history of getting left behind. Click on this link 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
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What inspired you to start your company?
Clearloop began as an idea that morphed into a company. In the early days– even prior to 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 spent enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is restricted.

Tell us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with business of all sizes to help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to clean energy by constructing new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left behind. As we grow, Clearloop will be focusing on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we tackle both filthy grids and economically distressed communities with our solar projects
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What challenges do you deal with? Why?
Among the greatest obstacles for us, as a reasonably brand-new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is earning reliability with market leaders who may be utilized to doing things a particular method. Clearloop is challenging some of the conventional methods in which new solar advancements have actually been funded, and bringing attention to new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the corporate procurement discussion. Im a real believer that our perspective from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as founders from very different backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we require more innovative services to help tidy up the grid. Weve been encouraged by corporate partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, as well as brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove purchased reclaiming their carbon footprint by assisting us build our very first solar job. Weve also had the excellent fortune of discovering similar organizations like ACORE who recognize the worth of bringing varied perspectives to cleaning up the grid and have really constructed a program like Accelerate to ensure we have a seat at the table
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For more information about Clearloop, check out https://clearloop.us/.
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How can possible partners do business with you?
Were proving that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase contract to assist build brand name brand-new solar jobs. Even huge business that have actually led the way in renewable resource procurement are now faced with the truth that the greatest chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they might have little control over decrease techniques or where decreases may not be immediate. That is where Clearloop comes in– were a brand-new tool for businesses big and little to take concrete environment action right now and help us decarbonize the grid in the places that require it one of the most. We need more innovative methods to assist take on the climate crisis in a method that purchases the places where that dollar develops more economic chance and social movement for the neighborhoods where were building. Were firm believers that the ecological, health, and economic benefits of clean energy financial investments ought to reach all corners of our nation and were trying to find partners who are prepared to do something about it
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