Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Laura Zapata, Co-Founder of Clearloop
By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021
How can possible partners do company with you?
Were showing that you do not need to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase contract to assist build brand name new solar projects. Even big business that have actually led the way in sustainable energy procurement are now confronted with the reality that the most significant piece of their carbon footprint remains in Scope 3, their value chain, where they might have little control over decrease methods or where decreases may not be immediate. That is where Clearloop is available in– were a new tool for organizations little and huge to take tangible climate action right now and help us decarbonize the grid in the places that require it one of the most. We need more creative ways to help tackle the environment crisis in such a way that invests in the locations where that dollar develops more financial opportunity and social movement for the neighborhoods where were building. Were firm followers that the environmental, health, and economic benefits of tidy energy financial investments need to reach all corners of our nation and were looking for partners who are prepared to do something about it
.
Inform us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech startup 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 developing brand-new solar tasks in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were pioneering putting a carbon value on the construction of brand-new solar capability thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a new funding structure that permits a larger variety of business to take part, while likewise being intentional about the communities where were investing to accomplish an equitable tidy energy future. We just recently began on our very first utility-connected solar job in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be focusing on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we tackle both filthy grids and financially distressed neighborhoods with our solar projects
.
What challenges do you face? Why?
One of the most significant challenges for us, as a reasonably brand-new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is making reliability with industry leaders who may be used to doing things a particular way. Clearloop is challenging a few of the conventional ways in which brand-new solar developments have been funded, and accentuating brand-new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the business procurement conversation. Im a true follower that our viewpoint from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as founders from really various backgrounds, has brought into focus why we require more creative solutions 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 helping us construct our extremely first solar job. Weve likewise had the excellent fortune of discovering like-minded companies like ACORE who recognize the value of bringing diverse viewpoints to tidying up the grid and have really constructed a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
.
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features market leaders and topics connected to accelerating a fair and simply transition to a sustainable energy economy. In acknowledgment 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 established by three Tennesseans who wish to make certain that the development and advantages of renewable energy reach all neighborhoods around our nation equally, beginning with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left behind. Click HERE to find out 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 begin your company?
Clearloop began as a concept that morphed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had selected the name– we were testing out the theory that more companies need to purchase tidying up the electricity 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 founders, this business was influenced by the desire to bring clearness to a large problem with an easy service. We desired 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 uncertain
.
To find out more about Clearloop, visit https://clearloop.us/.
###.
Clearloop started as an idea that changed 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 need to invest in cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be spent increasing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is restricted. Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with business of all sizes to help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by developing new solar jobs in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase contract to assist construct brand brand-new solar tasks. Even big companies that have actually led the way in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the most significant 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.