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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

Clearloop began as a concept that morphed into a company. In the early days– even before we had chosen on the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more business require to invest in cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be spent increasing 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 recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by building new solar projects in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you do not need to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase contract to help build brand new solar projects. Even big business that have led the way in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the most significant portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over reduction strategies or where reductions might not be immediate.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment includes industry leaders and subjects associated with speeding up an equitable and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member company established by three Tennesseans who wish to ensure that the innovation and benefits of renewable resource reach all communities around our nation similarly, starting with the communities that have a history of getting left behind. 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 changed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had picked the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more business need to buy cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be invested enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is restricted. For me, as one of three founders, this business was motivated by the desire to bring clearness to a large problem with a simple option. We wanted business to take climate action in the same neighborhood that welcomed my household as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the course was unclear
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For more information about Clearloop, visit https://clearloop.us/.
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Inform us about Clearloop?
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 brand-new solar jobs in American communities otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon value on the construction of brand-new solar capability thats determined in watts, not watt-hours, with a brand-new funding structure that permits a larger variety of companies to get involved, while also being deliberate about the communities where were investing to achieve an equitable tidy energy future. We just recently broke ground on our very first utility-connected solar task in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be concentrating on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we tackle both filthy grids and financially distressed communities with our solar tasks
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What challenges do you face? Why?
Among the greatest difficulties for us, as a reasonably brand-new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is making credibility with market leaders who may be used to doing things a specific way. Clearloop is challenging a few of the standard methods which new solar advancements have been funded, and accentuating brand-new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the business procurement discussion. Im a true believer that our viewpoint from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as founders from extremely different backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we need more imaginative services to help tidy up the grid. Weve been encouraged by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, in addition to brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove purchased recovering their carbon footprint by helping us build our very first solar job. Weve likewise 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 actually built a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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How can prospective partners work with you?
Were showing that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help develop brand new solar jobs. Even huge companies that have actually blazed a trail in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the most significant chunk of their carbon footprint remains in Scope 3, their value chain, where they might have little control over decrease strategies or where decreases may not be instant. That is where Clearloop comes in– were a brand-new tool for organizations big and little to take tangible climate action right now and help us decarbonize the grid in the places that require it one of the most. We need more imaginative ways to help deal with the climate crisis in such a way that invests in the places where that dollar creates more financial opportunity and social movement for the neighborhoods where were building. Were firm followers that the ecological, health, and economic advantages of tidy energy financial investments must reach all corners of our nation and were searching for partners who are prepared to take action
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