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

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021

Clearloop started as an idea that changed into a company. In the early days– even before we had decided 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 invested enhancing 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 recover) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by building brand-new solar jobs in American communities otherwise getting left behind. Were showing that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase agreement to help build brand name new solar tasks. Even huge companies that have actually led the method in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the biggest portion of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they might have little control over reduction methods or where reductions may not be instant.

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 accelerating a fair and simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how 3 Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Today, we are featuring Clearloop, an Accelerate member company founded by three Tennesseans who desire to make sure that the development and benefits of sustainable energy reach all neighborhoods around our nation equally, beginning with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left behind. Click on this link to get 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 began as a concept that changed into a business. In the early days– even prior to we had selected the name– we were testing out the theory that more companies need to buy tidying up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be spent enhancing the economies in Middle America where access to tidy energy is restricted. For me, as one of three founders, this company was motivated by the desire to bring clearness to a large problem with an easy service. We desired business to take environment action in the very same community that invited my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the course was uncertain
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To get more information about Clearloop, go to https://clearloop.us/.
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How can prospective partners do organization with you?
Were showing that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 company with the ability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist develop brand name brand-new solar jobs. Even huge business that have blazed a trail in renewable resource procurement are now confronted with the reality that the most significant chunk of their carbon footprint is in Scope 3, their value chain, where they may have little control over decrease methods or where reductions might not be immediate. That is where Clearloop comes in– were a new tool for businesses small and big to take concrete climate action today and assist us decarbonize the grid in the places that require it one of the most. We need more creative methods to help deal with the climate crisis in such a way that buys the locations where that dollar creates more economic opportunity and social mobility for the communities where were constructing. Were firm believers that the environmental, health, and financial benefits of clean energy financial investments must reach all corners of our nation and were trying to find partners who are all set to act
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Tell us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with companies of all sizes to assist them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and expand access to tidy energy by constructing brand-new solar tasks in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left. Were pioneering putting a carbon worth on the building of new solar capability thats determined in watts, not watt-hours, with a brand-new financing structure that allows a wider selection of companies to take part, while likewise being intentional about the neighborhoods where were investing to achieve an equitable tidy energy future. We recently began on our very first utility-connected solar project in Jackson, Tennessee. As we grow, Clearloop will be concentrating on Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta as we tackle both dirty grids and financially distressed neighborhoods with our solar jobs
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What difficulties do you face? Why?
One of the greatest obstacles for us, as a relatively new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is making trustworthiness with market leaders who may be used to doing things a certain way. Clearloop is challenging some of the standard methods in which brand-new solar developments have actually been financed, and bringing attention to new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions into the business procurement discussion.