Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Laura Zapata, Co-Founder of Clearloop
By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021
Clearloop started as a concept that morphed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had actually 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 invested enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is restricted. Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with business of all sizes to help them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by developing new solar jobs in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase contract to assist build brand brand-new solar tasks. Even huge business that have actually led the way in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the greatest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over reduction techniques or where decreases may not be immediate.
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics associated with speeding up an equitable and just shift to an eco-friendly energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member business founded by 3 Tennesseans who wish to make certain that the development and advantages of renewable energy reach all communities around our country equally, beginning with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left. Click on this link 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 begin your company?
Clearloop started as a concept that changed into a company. In the early days– even prior to we had actually chosen 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 limited.
Inform 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 tidy energy by constructing new solar tasks in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. As we grow, Clearloop will be focusing on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we tackle both dirty grids and economically distressed communities with our solar tasks
.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
One of the greatest difficulties for us, as a fairly new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is making reliability with industry leaders who may be used to doing things a specific way. Clearloop is challenging some of the standard methods which new solar advancements have actually been financed, and accentuating brand-new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the business procurement conversation. Im a true follower that our perspective from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as founders from extremely different backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we need more innovative options to help clean up the grid. Weve been motivated by corporate partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, along with brand names like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove invested in recovering their carbon footprint by assisting us construct our very first solar task. Weve likewise had the terrific fortune of finding like-minded companies like ACORE who acknowledge the value of bringing diverse viewpoints to cleaning up the grid and have in fact constructed a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
.
How can possible partners work with you?
Were proving that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase contract to help construct brand new solar tasks. Even big business that have led the method in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the greatest 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.
To discover more about Clearloop, check out https://clearloop.us/.
###.