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 companies of all sizes to help them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by developing new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were pioneering putting a carbon value on the building of brand-new solar capacity thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a new funding structure that allows a wider range of business to take part, while also being intentional about the communities where were investing to attain an equitable tidy energy future. We just recently began on our first utility-connected solar project in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be focusing on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we deal with both filthy grids and economically distressed communities with our solar jobs
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What difficulties do you face? Why?
Among the biggest difficulties for us, as a relatively brand-new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is making credibility with industry leaders who might be used to doing things a specific method. Clearloop is challenging a few of the conventional ways in which brand-new solar developments have actually been funded, and bringing attention to new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the business procurement discussion. Im a true believer that our vantage point from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as founders from really different backgrounds, has brought into focus why we need more innovative options to help clean up the grid. Weve been encouraged by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, along with brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove bought recovering their carbon footprint by helping us develop our really first solar task. Weve also had the terrific fortune of discovering like-minded companies like ACORE who acknowledge the worth of bringing varied point of views to tidying up the grid and have really built a program like Accelerate to ensure we have a seat at the table
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How can prospective partners do company with you?
Were proving that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase contract to help build brand new solar tasks. Even big business that have actually led the way in renewable energy procurement are now confronted with the truth that the biggest chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over reduction techniques or where reductions might not be immediate. That is where Clearloop comes in– were a brand-new tool for companies little and big to take tangible environment action right now and assist us decarbonize the grid in the places that need it one of the most. We need more imaginative ways to help deal with the climate crisis in such a way that buys the places where that dollar develops more economic chance and social mobility for the neighborhoods where were developing. Were firm followers that the environmental, health, and financial advantages of tidy energy financial investments ought to reach all corners of our nation and were trying to find partners who are all set to take action
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Clearloop began as a concept that changed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had actually decided on the name– we were checking out the theory that more companies need to invest in cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be invested enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is restricted. Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or recover) 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 dont need to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist build brand name new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have actually led the method in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over reduction methods or where decreases might not be immediate.
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment includes industry leaders and topics connected to speeding up a fair and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member business established by 3 Tennesseans who desire to make certain that the development and benefits of renewable resource reach all neighborhoods around our nation equally, beginning with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left behind. Click HERE to get more information 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 begin your company?
Clearloop started as a concept that changed into a company. In the early days– even before we had chosen on the name– we were testing out the theory that more companies need to invest in cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be spent improving the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited.
To discover more about Clearloop, go to https://clearloop.us/.
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