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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

Clearloop started as an idea that morphed into a company. In the early days– even before we had decided on the name– we were testing out the theory that more companies require to invest in cleaning up the electrical energy grid so those dollars can be invested improving the economies in Middle America where access to clean 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, clean up the grid, and broaden access to clean energy by constructing new solar projects in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you do not need to be a Fortune 500 company with the capability to sign a power purchase arrangement to help develop brand brand-new solar tasks. Even big business that have led the way in renewable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the biggest piece of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over reduction methods or where decreases might not be immediate.

To get more information about Clearloop, see 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 tidy energy by constructing brand-new solar tasks in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the building of brand-new solar capability thats measured in watts, not watt-hours, with a new funding structure that allows a larger selection of business to participate, while likewise being intentional about the communities where were investing to attain an equitable tidy energy future. We recently broke ground on our first utility-connected solar task in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be focusing on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we deal with both filthy grids and economically distressed neighborhoods with our solar projects
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What obstacles do you face? Why?
Among the biggest challenges for us, as a relatively brand-new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is earning trustworthiness with market leaders who may be used to doing things a certain method. Clearloop is challenging some of the traditional methods which new solar developments have been funded, and bringing attention to brand-new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions 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 extremely various backgrounds, has brought into focus why we require more imaginative solutions to assist tidy 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 very first solar project. Weve also had the fantastic fortune of finding like-minded companies like ACORE who recognize the worth of bringing diverse 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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How can potential partners work with you?
Were showing that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase arrangement to assist construct brand name new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have blazed a trail in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the truth that the biggest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their worth chain, where they may have little control over decrease strategies or where reductions may not be immediate. That is where Clearloop is available in– were a brand-new tool for companies huge and little to take concrete environment action today and help us decarbonize the grid in the places that require it the many. We need more creative ways to help deal with the climate crisis in a manner that purchases the locations where that dollar develops more economic opportunity and social movement for the neighborhoods where were building. Were firm followers that the environmental, health, and economic advantages of clean energy financial investments must reach all corners of our nation and were looking for partners who are all set to act
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The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes market leaders and topics related to speeding up an equitable and just shift to a sustainable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member business established by three Tennesseans who want to make sure that the innovation and advantages of eco-friendly energy reach all communities around our nation equally, beginning with the communities that have a history of getting left behind. Click HERE 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 began as a concept that changed into a company. In the early days– even prior to we had chosen on the name– we were evaluating out the theory that more companies 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 limited.