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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

Clearloop started as an idea that changed into a business. In the early days– even before we had actually chosen on the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more business require to invest in cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be invested increasing the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is restricted. Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with business of all sizes to help them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by constructing brand-new solar jobs in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase contract to assist build brand brand-new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have actually led the way 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 might have little control over decrease techniques or where reductions may not be immediate.

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 subjects connected to speeding up a fair and simply transition to an eco-friendly energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the sustainable energy sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member company established by three Tennesseans who wish to ensure that the innovation and advantages of eco-friendly energy reach all communities around our country similarly, beginning with the communities that have a history of getting left. Click on this link to get more information 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 began as a concept that morphed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had actually picked the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more companies require to buy tidying up the electricity grid so those dollars can be invested boosting the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited. For me, as one of 3 founders, this business was motivated by the desire to bring clarity to a big issue with an easy solution. We wanted companies to take environment action in the same community that invited my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the course was unclear
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Inform 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, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to clean 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 deal with both unclean grids and economically distressed communities with our solar jobs
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What obstacles do you face? Why?
One of the most significant obstacles for us, as a relatively brand-new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is earning credibility with industry leaders who may be utilized to doing things a particular way. Clearloop is challenging some of the conventional ways in which new solar advancements have been financed, and accentuating brand-new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the corporate procurement discussion. Im a true believer that our perspective from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as creators from extremely different backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we need more imaginative solutions to help tidy up the grid. Weve been motivated by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, along with brand names like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove purchased reclaiming their carbon footprint by helping us build our very first solar task. Weve also had the excellent fortune of finding like-minded organizations like ACORE who acknowledge the value of bringing diverse perspectives to cleaning up the grid and have really constructed a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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How can potential partners do company 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 develop brand name new solar jobs. Even huge business that have led the way in renewable resource procurement are now faced with the truth that the biggest piece of their carbon footprint remains in Scope 3, their value chain, where they might have little control over reduction strategies or where decreases might not be instant. That is where Clearloop is available in– were a new tool for organizations little and huge to take tangible climate action today and assist us decarbonize the grid in the places that require it one of the most. We require more imaginative ways to assist deal with the environment crisis in a method that purchases the places where that dollar develops more financial chance and social movement for the communities where were developing. Were firm believers that the environmental, health, and financial advantages of tidy energy financial investments ought to reach all corners of our nation and were searching for partners who are all set to act
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To read more about Clearloop, see https://clearloop.us/.
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