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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

For more information about Clearloop, check out https://clearloop.us/.
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Clearloop began as an idea that changed into a company. In the early days– even before we had decided on the name– we were checking out the theory that more business need to invest in cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be invested increasing the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is limited. 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 expand access to tidy energy by developing brand-new solar projects in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you do not need to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase arrangement to assist develop brand name brand-new solar projects. Even big companies that have actually led the way in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the most significant piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over reduction methods or where reductions 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 recover) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and expand access to tidy energy by building new solar projects 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 challenges do you face? Why?
One of the greatest difficulties for us, as a fairly brand-new entrant in the clean energy and carbon markets, is making trustworthiness with market leaders who might be utilized to doing things a specific way. Clearloop is challenging a few of the standard methods in which brand-new solar advancements have actually been financed, and accentuating brand-new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions decreases into the corporate procurement discussion. Im a real follower that our viewpoint from the middle of the country, and our lived experiences as creators from very various backgrounds, has brought into focus why we require more innovative services to assist clean 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 bought recovering their carbon footprint by helping us develop our very first solar job. Weve likewise had the great fortune of finding like-minded companies like ACORE who acknowledge the worth of bringing varied point of views to cleaning up the grid and have in fact built a program like Accelerate to ensure we have a seat at the table
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The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment includes industry leaders and topics related to accelerating a fair and just transition to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are prospering in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member business founded by 3 Tennesseans who desire to ensure that the innovation and benefits of renewable resource reach all neighborhoods around our nation similarly, beginning with the communities that have a history of getting left behind. Click HERE to find out more 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 start your company?
Clearloop began as an idea that changed into a business. In the early days– even before we had chosen on the name– we were checking out the theory that more companies need to invest in cleaning up the electricity grid so those dollars can be invested improving the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is limited.

How can possible partners work with you?
Were showing that you dont require to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist build brand name new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have blazed a trail in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the most significant piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they might have little control over decrease methods or where decreases may not be instant. That is where Clearloop can be found in– were a new tool for organizations big and little to take tangible environment action today and assist us decarbonize the grid in the places that require it the most. We need more creative ways to help tackle 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 developing. Were firm followers that the environmental, health, and financial benefits of clean energy investments ought to reach all corners of our country and were looking for partners who are all set to do something about it
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