Today, energy use and environmental impact are issues everyone takes seriously. Insurers and creditors are asking about carbon risk. Customers and investors are demanding corporate social responsibility reports. Even the candidates are green.

Grassroots grows up

In 2004 I didn't doubt that the business world needed a source of clear information about sustainable energy use. There were signs of things to come.

Waiting lists grew for the Toyota Prius. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger got great media mileage from his "green Hummer." Consumers were waking up to a new day for environmentalism.

It was just a matter of time before they started putting pressure on brands to align with the new world view.

There were smart businesses that didn't wait for consumer pressure. Yours is probably one of them. Your leaders already were committed to doing their part to reduce energy costs and to leave a healthy planet for future generations. It was a lonely job.

My, how you've grown

You're not alone anymore. Our readership has skyrocketed. We've already had more visitors this month to date than we had in our entire first year.

Thanks to the internet, our reach far exceeds our grasp. Our content is widely shared and syndicated worldwide. We collaborate with high-profile publications and blogs on energy and sustainability. The podcasts we create are available to millions on Apple iTunes.

Where do we grow from here?

Energy Priorities has evolved to meet the changing needs of enlightened business readers who want to be more responsible energy users. As we enter our fifth year we'll continue to refine our focus to track the energy issues that affect your business.

You -- readers and listeners -- are more engaged than ever in shaping our content. Keep those calls and e-mails coming.

Why do you read Energy Priorities? Because your company likes to set an example, not follow the leaders. Because a competitor has begun an aggressive "greenwashing" campaign and you believe your company can do better. Because government directives in Europe and Asia are affecting your operations there. Because your employees are asking your company to evolve with their image of themselves as environmentally responsible individuals.

Whatever your motivation, to succeed you need a clear-headed source of information. That's our job, and we take it seriously.

Thanks for reading.