In this issue, we will focus intently on the renewable energy sector. Up front, we have industry outlooks from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). And Ed McCallum, of McCallum Sweeney Consulting, provides an in-depth look at the potential for the renewable energy industry across the country. Andy Shapiro, of BLS Strategies, offers excellent insight into the criteria for properly siting data centers. And Fred Burkhardt, of Geneva Analytics, sheds light upon the retail sector and the outlook going forward. Also, don’t miss Jennifer Alten’s examination of green technology developments taking place across the country, or Linda Dobel’s article highlighting areas that offer a significant boost to quality of life. And Leslie Rubin, in her Insights piece, makes a strong case for envisioning a brighter future.

On the subject of clean industries and renewable energy, there are a few noteworthy developments of late worth pointing out. One is Bloomberg’s recent launch of its Corporate Renewable Energy Index (CREX). This is an index that will track companies’ sustainability efforts for investors. In GE’s 2010 ecomagination Report, it is noted that $85 billion in revenue has been generated by ecomagination projects over the last five years, and also that the company is doubling its clean-tech R&D investment to $10 billion over the next five years. Then there is the Principles for Responsible Investment Initiative – a global organization that counts 850 investment institutions as signatories, with $25 trillion in assets under management. Part of the organization’s charter involves environmental responsibility, and they’ve got about 25 trillion reasons to re-examine sustainability efforts from a risk management perspective.