Seven trends for 2007

Welcome to the 2007 “Sustainable Industries Overview,” our fourth annual trend forecasts and lists ranking the West Coast’s leading sustainable business pioneers. In preparing the annual TrendWatch report, our editorial team talked with dozens of industry leaders, reviewed hundred of articles, and sifted through stacks of research to bring to you, our readers, insights on what to expect from sustainable industries on the West Coast and beyond in the upcoming year.

Judging from last year’s predictions — including a groundswell of awareness and action on climate change and increased sophistication of green building high rises in downtown areas — our industry leaders have some keen insight. Also peppered throughout this year’s trends section are spotlights on “People to Watch” in 2007.

In the subscriber edition, readers will find nearly two dozen lists ranking everything from the region’s largest renewable energy developments and green building practitioners to the latest cleantech investments and green marketing firms. All of the companies and organizations in this year’s edition represent a large, diverse audience of urban and rural pioneers no media outlet has attempted to target before. We think you will find this year’s installment of “Sustainable Industries Overview” an invaluable resource in the year ahead.

If one fundamental trend became clear in 2006, it is that sustainable business innovation is sweeping across the West Coast and expanding markets throughout the nation more than ever before. Mainstream media are also finally paying increased attention to the action.

Having produced this annual special overview issue for four years running now, we’re amazed at the changes that have taken place in that time, and we’re wowed by all of the innovations chronicled in the archives of Sustainable Industries Journal.

The stakes continue to be raised, and there is still a long way to go. As we continue to spotlight and learn from those leading the way, Sustainable Industries Journal is thrilled to be a part of the action.