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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

To read more about Clearloop, check out https://clearloop.us/.
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Clearloop began as a concept that changed into a company. In the early days– even prior to we had decided on the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more companies need to invest in cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be spent improving the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to clean energy by constructing 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 contract to assist construct brand brand-new solar jobs. Even big companies that have actually led the method in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the most significant chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over decrease methods or where decreases may not be instant.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and subjects related to speeding up an equitable and just transition to an eco-friendly energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are growing in the renewable energy sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member business established by three Tennesseans who wish to make certain that the innovation and benefits of renewable resource reach all neighborhoods around our country similarly, starting with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left. Click on this link to learn 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 begin your business?
Clearloop started as a concept that changed into a company. In the early days– even before we had actually chosen on the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more business need to invest in cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be invested boosting the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is restricted.

Inform us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with companies of all sizes to assist them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and broaden access to clean energy by developing 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 deal with both filthy grids and financially distressed communities with our solar tasks
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What difficulties do you face? Why?
Among the biggest challenges for us, as a fairly brand-new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is earning reliability with industry leaders who might be used to doing things a certain method. Clearloop is challenging a few of the conventional ways in which brand-new solar advancements have been funded, and bringing attention to brand-new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the business procurement conversation. Im a true believer that our vantage point from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as creators from very various backgrounds, has brought into focus why we need more innovative solutions to help tidy up the grid. Weve been motivated by corporate partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, along with brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove bought recovering their carbon footprint by assisting us construct our really first solar project. Weve also had the excellent fortune of finding similar companies like ACORE who recognize the value of bringing diverse point of views to tidying up the grid and have really developed a program like Accelerate to ensure we have a seat at the table
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How can prospective partners work with you?
Were proving that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase contract to help construct brand new solar jobs. Even huge business that have actually blazed a trail in sustainable energy procurement are now confronted with the truth that the greatest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they might have little control over reduction strategies or where reductions might not be instant. That is where Clearloop comes in– were a new tool for organizations big and small to take tangible climate action today and help us decarbonize the grid in the locations that need it one of the most. We need more innovative ways to assist take on the environment crisis in a manner that invests in the locations where that dollar develops more financial opportunity and social movement for the neighborhoods where were building. Were firm believers that the environmental, health, and economic advantages of clean energy investments should reach all corners of our nation and were searching for partners who are ready to act
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