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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

To find out more about Clearloop, see 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 help them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by constructing 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 tackle both dirty grids and financially distressed communities with our solar tasks
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What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
One of the most significant difficulties for us, as a relatively new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is making trustworthiness with industry leaders who may be utilized to doing things a specific method. Clearloop is challenging a few of the conventional ways in which new solar developments have been funded, and bringing attention to new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the corporate procurement discussion. Im a true follower that our viewpoint from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as creators from extremely different backgrounds, has brought into focus why we require more innovative options 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 purchased recovering their carbon footprint by helping us construct our very first solar task. Weve also had the great fortune of finding like-minded organizations like ACORE who acknowledge the value of bringing varied viewpoints to tidying up the grid and have actually built a program like Accelerate to ensure we have a seat at the table
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Clearloop started as an idea that changed into a company. 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 increasing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is restricted. 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 developing brand-new solar jobs in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were proving 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 projects. Even big companies that have led the way in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the truth 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 might not be instant.

How can possible partners do organization with you?
Were proving that you do not need to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist build brand name new solar jobs. Even big business that have actually blazed a trail in renewable energy procurement are now confronted with the reality that the most significant chunk of their carbon footprint remains in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over reduction methods or where reductions may not be instant. That is where Clearloop can be found in– were a new tool for services little and big to take concrete environment action today and help us decarbonize the grid in the places that require it the many. We need more creative ways to help take on the climate crisis in a way that invests in the places where that dollar develops more financial chance and social movement for the neighborhoods where were building. Were firm followers that the environmental, health, and economic advantages of clean energy financial investments should reach all corners of our nation and were trying to find partners who are ready to do something about it
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The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and topics connected to accelerating a fair and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the sustainable energy sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member business established by three Tennesseans who want to make certain that the development and advantages of renewable resource reach all communities around our country equally, beginning with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left behind. 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 begin your business?
Clearloop started as a concept that morphed into a business. In the early days– even before we had actually chosen the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more business need to buy cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be spent increasing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. For me, as one of 3 creators, this company was influenced by the desire to bring clearness to a large problem with a basic solution. We desired companies to take climate action in the same neighborhood that welcomed my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the path was uncertain
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