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 prior to we had chosen 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 boosting 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 building new solar projects in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase agreement to help build brand name brand-new solar projects. Even huge companies 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 techniques or where decreases may not be immediate.
Tell us about Clearloop?
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 expand access to tidy energy by constructing brand-new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon value on the building of new solar capability thats determined in watts, not watt-hours, with a new financing structure that allows a larger array of companies to get involved, while also being deliberate about the neighborhoods where were investing to achieve an equitable clean energy future. We recently broke ground on our first utility-connected solar job in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be focusing on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we deal with both dirty grids and economically distressed neighborhoods with our solar tasks
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What obstacles do you face? Why?
One of the biggest challenges for us, as a relatively brand-new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is making credibility with market leaders who may be utilized to doing things a certain way. Clearloop is challenging some of the standard ways in which new solar developments have actually been financed, and bringing attention to new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the business procurement conversation.
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation includes market leaders and subjects related to speeding up a fair and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member business established by 3 Tennesseans who want to make sure that the development and advantages of sustainable energy reach all communities around our nation equally, beginning with the communities 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
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What inspired you to start your company?
Clearloop started as an idea that morphed into a company. In the early days– even prior to we had actually selected the name– we were checking out the theory that more companies need to purchase cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be invested enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. For me, as one of three creators, this company was inspired by the desire to bring clarity to a large issue with a simple solution. We wanted business to take environment action in the very same neighborhood that invited my household as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the course was unclear
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How can possible partners do organization with you?
Were showing that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase contract to assist construct brand new solar projects. Even big business that have actually led the way in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the biggest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they might have little control over reduction methods or where reductions might not be instant.
For more information about Clearloop, go to https://clearloop.us/.
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