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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

Clearloop began as a concept that changed into a business. 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 enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with business of all sizes to assist them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to clean energy by constructing new solar projects in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist build brand name brand-new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have actually led the way in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the biggest piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over decrease methods or where reductions may not be immediate.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment includes market leaders and topics connected to 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 companies are flourishing in the renewable energy sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member company founded by three Tennesseans who wish to make certain that the development and advantages of sustainable energy reach all neighborhoods around our country similarly, beginning with the communities that have a history of getting left. Click HERE 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 business?
Clearloop began as a concept that changed into a business. In the early days– even before we had actually decided on the name– we were checking out the theory that more business need to buy cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be spent increasing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is restricted. For me, as one of three founders, 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 exact same neighborhood that invited my household as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the course was uncertain
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How can possible partners work with you?
Were proving that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to assist build brand name new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have actually led the way in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the greatest portion 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.

Inform us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with business of all sizes to assist them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to tidy energy by developing 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 deal with both unclean grids and financially distressed communities with our solar projects
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What challenges do you deal with? Why?
Among the greatest difficulties for us, as a fairly brand-new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is earning credibility with industry leaders who might be used to doing things a certain method. Clearloop is challenging a few of the traditional ways in which brand-new solar developments have been funded, and accentuating brand-new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the business procurement conversation. Im a real believer that our viewpoint from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as founders from extremely different backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we require more innovative solutions to help clean up the grid. Weve been encouraged by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, in addition to brand names like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove invested in reclaiming their carbon footprint by helping us develop our very first solar project. Weve likewise had the great fortune of finding similar companies like ACORE who recognize the worth of bringing diverse point of views to tidying up the grid and have really built a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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For more information about Clearloop, see https://clearloop.us/.
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