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 startup that partners with companies of all sizes to assist them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by developing brand-new solar tasks in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the construction of new solar capability thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a brand-new funding structure that enables a broader array of companies to get involved, while likewise being deliberate about the communities where were investing to attain an equitable tidy energy future. We just recently broke ground on our first utility-connected solar project in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be concentrating on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we tackle both filthy grids and financially distressed communities with our solar projects
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What obstacles do you face? Why?
One of the greatest challenges for us, as a fairly brand-new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is making trustworthiness with industry leaders who might be utilized to doing things a specific method. Clearloop is challenging some of the standard methods in which new solar advancements have actually been funded, and accentuating new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the corporate procurement conversation. Im a real follower that our perspective from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as founders from very different backgrounds, has brought into focus why we need more imaginative options to help clean up the grid. Weve been encouraged by corporate partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, along with brand names like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove bought reclaiming their carbon footprint by assisting us construct our extremely first solar project. Weve likewise had the fantastic fortune of finding similar organizations like ACORE who acknowledge the worth of bringing varied perspectives to cleaning up the grid and have in fact constructed a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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Clearloop started as an idea that morphed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had 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 improving the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is restricted. Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with business of all sizes to assist them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and broaden access to clean energy by constructing brand-new solar tasks in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you do not need to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to assist build brand name new solar projects. Even big business that have led the method in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the most significant piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over reduction strategies or where decreases might not be instant.
To find out more about Clearloop, check out https://clearloop.us/.
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The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation features market leaders and subjects associated with speeding up an equitable and simply transition to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member business founded by three Tennesseans who wish to make certain that the innovation and advantages of renewable resource reach all neighborhoods around our nation equally, beginning with the communities that have a history of getting left behind. Click HERE to find out 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 business?
Clearloop began as an idea that changed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had selected the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more companies need to invest in cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be invested increasing the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is restricted. For me, as one of 3 founders, this company was motivated by the desire to bring clearness to a big problem with a basic service. We wanted business to take climate action in the exact same community that invited my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the course was uncertain
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How can prospective partners work with you?
Were proving that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help construct brand new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have led the method in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the biggest piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they might have little control over reduction methods or where decreases may not be immediate.