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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

How can possible partners do company with you?
Were proving that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help build brand brand-new solar projects. Even huge business that have blazed a trail in renewable resource procurement are now faced with the truth that the most significant portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over decrease techniques or where reductions may not be instant. That is where Clearloop is available in– were a brand-new tool for organizations big and small to take concrete climate action today and help us decarbonize the grid in the locations that need it one of the most. We require more imaginative ways to help tackle the environment crisis in such a way that purchases the places where that dollar produces more economic opportunity and social movement for the communities where were constructing. Were firm followers that the environmental, health, and economic benefits of clean energy investments should reach all corners of our nation and were trying to find partners who are ready to act
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Clearloop started as an idea that morphed into a business. In the early days– even before we had chosen on the name– we were testing out the theory that more business need to invest in cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be invested 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 assist them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by constructing new solar jobs in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase agreement to help build brand name brand-new solar jobs. Even huge companies that have actually led the way in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over reduction techniques or where reductions might not be immediate.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment includes market leaders and topics related to accelerating an equitable and simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are thriving in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member company founded by three Tennesseans who wish to make sure that the development and advantages of renewable resource reach all communities around our nation similarly, starting with the communities that have a history of getting left behind. Click HERE 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 company?
Clearloop started as an idea that changed into a company. In the early days– even before we had actually picked the name– we were checking out the theory that more business require to invest in cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be spent boosting the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. For me, as one of three creators, this business was influenced by the desire to bring clearness to a large issue with a basic service. We wanted companies to take environment action in the same neighborhood that invited my household as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the path was unclear
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For more information 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 assist them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by constructing new solar jobs in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the building and construction of brand-new solar capacity thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a brand-new funding structure that enables a larger array of companies to get involved, while also being deliberate about the communities where were investing to attain a fair clean energy future. We just recently broke ground on our first utility-connected solar job in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be focusing on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we tackle both dirty grids and economically distressed communities 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 tidy energy and carbon markets, is making credibility with market leaders who might be utilized to doing things a certain way. Clearloop is challenging a few of the conventional methods which brand-new solar developments have been financed, and bringing attention to brand-new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the business procurement conversation. Im a true follower 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 require more imaginative solutions to assist clean up the grid. Weve been encouraged by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, as well as brand names like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove purchased reclaiming their carbon footprint by helping us develop our very first solar task. Weve likewise had the fantastic fortune of discovering similar companies like ACORE who acknowledge the worth of bringing diverse viewpoints to tidying up the grid and have really built a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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