Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Laura Zapata, Co-Founder of Clearloop
By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021
Tell 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 building brand-new solar projects in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon value on the building and construction of new solar capability thats determined in watts, not watt-hours, with a brand-new financing structure that allows a broader variety of companies to participate, while also being intentional about the neighborhoods where were investing to accomplish a fair clean energy future. We recently broke ground on our very first utility-connected solar task in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be focusing on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we take on both dirty grids and financially distressed neighborhoods with our solar tasks
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What difficulties do you face? Why?
Among the most significant obstacles for us, as a fairly brand-new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is earning trustworthiness with industry leaders who may be utilized to doing things a specific method. Clearloop is challenging some of the traditional methods which brand-new solar advancements have actually been financed, and bringing attention to brand-new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the business procurement conversation. Im a real believer that our vantage point from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as creators from extremely different backgrounds, has brought into focus why we need more imaginative solutions to help clean up the grid. Weve been motivated by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, in addition to brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove bought reclaiming their carbon footprint by helping us develop our really first solar project. Weve likewise had the excellent fortune of discovering similar companies like ACORE who recognize the value of bringing varied viewpoints to tidying up the grid and have in fact developed a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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Clearloop began as a concept that changed into a company. In the early days– even before we had chosen on the name– we were evaluating 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 tidy energy is limited. 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 new solar tasks in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase contract to assist construct brand brand-new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have actually led the method in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the biggest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over reduction methods or where reductions might not be instant.
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation features market leaders and topics connected to accelerating an equitable and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member business established by 3 Tennesseans who want to make certain that the development and benefits of renewable resource reach all neighborhoods around our nation similarly, beginning with the communities that have a history of getting left behind. Click on this link for 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 start your business?
Clearloop began as an idea that morphed into a company. In the early days– even prior to we had actually decided on the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more companies require to buy tidying up the electricity grid so those dollars can be spent boosting the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is limited. For me, as one of three founders, this company was motivated by the desire to bring clarity to a large issue with a basic service. We wanted companies to take environment action in the exact same neighborhood that invited my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the path was uncertain
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How can possible partners do organization with you?
Were showing that you do not need to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist develop brand brand-new solar jobs. 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 might have little control over reduction strategies or where decreases might not be immediate.
To read more about Clearloop, see https://clearloop.us/.
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