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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

How can potential partners work with you?
Were proving that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase contract to help build brand name brand-new solar jobs. Even huge companies that have actually led the method in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the biggest chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over reduction methods or where reductions may not be immediate.

For more information about Clearloop, go to https://clearloop.us/.
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Clearloop started as an idea that changed into a company. In the early days– even prior to we had actually decided on the name– we were checking out the theory that more companies need to invest in cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be spent boosting the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is limited. Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with business of all sizes to assist them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by developing brand-new solar jobs in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help construct brand name brand-new solar jobs. Even huge companies that have led the method in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the greatest chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over reduction strategies or where decreases might not be instant.

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 clean energy by constructing brand-new solar tasks in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the building and construction of brand-new solar capability thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a new financing structure that enables a wider array of business to get involved, while likewise being intentional about the neighborhoods where were investing to attain an equitable clean energy future. We just recently began 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 take on both dirty grids and financially distressed communities with our solar projects
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What challenges do you deal with? Why?
One of the greatest obstacles for us, as a relatively brand-new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is earning credibility with market leaders who may be used to doing things a certain way. Clearloop is challenging a few of the traditional ways in which brand-new solar developments have actually been financed, and accentuating new locations and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the business procurement discussion. Im a real follower that our perspective from the middle of the nation, and our lived experiences as founders from very various backgrounds, has actually brought into focus why we require more innovative solutions to help tidy up the grid. Weve been motivated by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, as well as brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove invested in reclaiming their carbon footprint by helping us build our really first solar task. Weve likewise had the excellent fortune of finding similar companies like ACORE who recognize the worth of bringing varied perspectives to tidying up the grid and have really developed a program like Accelerate to guarantee we have a seat at the table
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The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the next installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and subjects related to accelerating a fair and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are thriving in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member business established by 3 Tennesseans who want to ensure that the innovation and benefits of renewable energy reach all communities around our nation equally, starting with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left. Click on this link for more information about Clearloops effect.
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 selected the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more companies require to buy cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be spent boosting the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is restricted. For me, as one of 3 creators, this business was inspired by the desire to bring clarity to a big issue with a simple service. We wanted companies 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 path was unclear
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