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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

To find out more about Clearloop, check out https://clearloop.us/.
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Tell us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with business of all sizes to assist them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and expand access to tidy energy by developing brand-new solar jobs in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left. 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 larger selection of companies to participate, while also being intentional about the neighborhoods where were investing to attain an equitable tidy energy future. We recently broke ground on our first utility-connected solar task in Jackson, Tennessee. 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 jobs
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What obstacles do you face? 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 utilized to doing things a particular way. Clearloop is challenging a few of the conventional methods which new solar advancements have been funded, and bringing attention to brand-new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the corporate procurement conversation. Im a real believer that our viewpoint from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as creators from extremely various backgrounds, has 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, along with brand names like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove bought reclaiming their carbon footprint by helping us construct our really first solar task. Weve also had the great fortune of finding similar organizations like ACORE who acknowledge the value of bringing varied perspectives to cleaning up the grid and have in fact built a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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How can potential partners work with you?
Were proving that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist develop brand new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have actually blazed a trail in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest portion of their carbon footprint remains in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over reduction strategies or where decreases may not be immediate. That is where Clearloop is available in– were a new tool for businesses small and huge to take tangible environment action today and help us decarbonize the grid in the locations that need it one of the most. We need more innovative ways to help tackle the environment crisis in a way that buys the locations where that dollar produces more economic chance and social movement for the neighborhoods where were building. Were firm believers that the ecological, health, and economic advantages of clean energy investments should reach all corners of our country and were searching for partners who are ready to act
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Clearloop began as an idea that morphed into a business. In the early days– even before we had decided on the name– we were testing out the theory that more business require 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 start-up that partners with companies of all sizes to assist them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to clean energy by constructing brand-new solar projects in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to assist build brand name brand-new solar tasks. Even big companies that have led the way in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over decrease techniques or where decreases 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 industry leaders and subjects related to speeding up an equitable and just shift to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing in the renewable energy sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member business founded by three Tennesseans who wish to ensure that the development and advantages of renewable resource reach all communities around our country similarly, beginning with the communities that have a history of getting left. Click on this link 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
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What inspired you to begin your business?
Clearloop started as a concept that morphed into a business. In the early days– even before we had chosen on the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more business need to invest in cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be spent increasing the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is restricted.