Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Laura Zapata, Co-Founder of Clearloop
By Constance ThompsonSeptember 24, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the next installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation features industry leaders and topics associated with speeding up an equitable and simply shift to a renewable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September functions highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the renewable resource sector.
Today, we are including Clearloop, an Accelerate member business established by 3 Tennesseans who wish to make certain that the innovation and benefits of renewable resource reach all communities around our nation similarly, starting with the neighborhoods that have a history of getting left behind. Click HERE to get 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 business. In the early days– even before we had actually picked the name– we were testing out the theory that more business 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 limited. For me, as one of three creators, this business was influenced by the desire to bring clearness to a large issue with a simple solution. We wanted business to take climate action in the same community that invited my family as immigrants, and kept me going when things felt dark and the course was unclear
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Clearloop began as an idea that morphed into a business. In the early days– even before we had actually decided on the name– we were testing out the theory that more companies require to invest in cleaning up the electrical power grid so those dollars can be invested boosting the economies in Middle America where access to clean energy is restricted. Clearloop is a cleantech startup that partners with companies of all sizes to assist them cut (or recover) their carbon footprint, clean up the grid, and broaden access to clean energy by building new solar jobs in American neighborhoods otherwise getting left behind. Were proving that you do not require to be a Fortune 500 business with the ability to sign a power purchase contract to help construct brand brand-new solar projects. Even big companies that have led the way in sustainable energy procurement are now faced with the reality that the biggest chunk 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.
Tell us about Clearloop?
Clearloop is a cleantech start-up that partners with companies of all sizes to help them cut (or reclaim) their carbon footprint, tidy up the grid, and expand access to clean energy by building 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 take on both unclean grids and financially distressed communities with our solar tasks
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What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
Among the biggest challenges for us, as a fairly brand-new entrant in the tidy energy and carbon markets, is earning reliability with industry leaders who may be used to doing things a certain method. Clearloop is challenging a few of the conventional methods which new solar developments have actually been funded, and accentuating new geographies and equity, to reinsert carbon emissions reductions 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 different backgrounds, has brought into focus why we need more imaginative solutions to help clean up the grid. Weve been encouraged by business partners like Intuit and Vista Equity Partners, along with brands like Dropps and Hello Bello, whove purchased recovering their carbon footprint by helping us develop our really first solar job. Weve also had the terrific fortune of discovering similar organizations like ACORE who recognize the value of bringing varied point of views to tidying up the grid and have actually developed a program like Accelerate to ensure we have a seat at the table
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To get more information about Clearloop, go to https://clearloop.us/.
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How can potential partners do service with you?
Were showing that you dont need to be a Fortune 500 business with the capability to sign a power purchase agreement to assist develop brand brand-new solar jobs. Even big companies that have led the method in eco-friendly energy procurement are now faced 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 reduction methods or where reductions may not be instant.