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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

Inform us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and broaden access to tidy energy by developing brand-new solar jobs in American neighborhoods 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 projects
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What obstacles do you face? Why?
Among the biggest difficulties for us, as a reasonably new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is making credibility with industry leaders who might be utilized to doing things a certain method. Clearloop is challenging some of the traditional methods which new solar advancements have actually been funded, and accentuating brand-new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the business procurement conversation. Im a true follower that our perspective from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as founders from really different backgrounds, has brought into focus why we require more creative solutions to assist clean up the grid. Weve been motivated by corporate partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, as well as brand names like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove invested in recovering their carbon footprint by assisting us build our extremely first solar project. Weve likewise had the excellent fortune of finding like-minded organizations like ACORE who recognize the worth of bringing diverse perspectives to tidying up the grid and have in fact developed a program like Accelerate to ensure we have a seat at the table
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Clearloop started as a concept that changed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had actually chosen on the name– we were evaluating 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 start-up that partners with business of all sizes to help them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and broaden access to clean energy by constructing brand-new solar jobs in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help develop brand brand-new solar projects. Even huge business that have actually led the way in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the biggest chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over reduction strategies or where decreases might not be instant.

To find out more about Clearloop, check out https://clearloop.us/.
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How can prospective partners do service 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 assist develop brand name brand-new solar tasks. Even big business that have actually blazed a trail in renewable resource procurement are now confronted with the reality that the biggest piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over decrease methods or where reductions may not be immediate. That is where Clearloop comes in– were a new tool for services little and big to take concrete environment action right now and help us decarbonize the grid in the locations that require it one of the most. We require more imaginative methods to assist tackle the environment crisis in such a way that purchases the places where that dollar creates more financial opportunity and social mobility 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 country and were looking for partners who are ready to take action
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The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation features industry leaders and topics related to accelerating an equitable and just transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are thriving in the renewable energy sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member business founded by three Tennesseans who wish to make sure that the development and benefits of renewable resource reach all neighborhoods around our nation equally, starting with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left. Click HERE for 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 business?
Clearloop started as a concept that morphed into a company. In the early days– even prior to we had actually chosen the name– we were checking out the theory that more companies need to invest in cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be spent improving the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is restricted. For me, as one of 3 founders, this company was influenced by the desire to bring clearness to a large problem with an easy option. We wanted business to take environment action in the very same neighborhood that invited my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the course was unclear
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