Sustainable Industries magazine has just issued its top 9 trends for 2009. They are not posted online, so I’ll summarize them here. (If you’re not a subscriber yet, consider becoming one.)

1. Smart grid takes off: “Though the term ‘smart grid’ is somewhat fluid and encompasses a range of technologies—from so-called smart meters to home area networks—analysts and industry insiders seem to agree the time is at hand for many such technologies to be widely implemented.”
2. Year of the carbon market: “At a time when U.S. unemployment rates are reaching levels not seen in decades, the carbon market is likely to go on a hiring blitz in 2009.”
3. Green building sets the code: “While 2007 and 2008 proved big years for the widespread adoption of building standards by major cities—including Los Angeles, Boston and Seattle—the coming year is expected to bring even more.”
4. Banks for the new economy: “With the collapse of giant financial institutions in the third quarter of 2008, some industry experts are predicting a bigger push toward a community-based model of banking and investing in 2009.”
5. Green jobs hiring blitz: “The West Coast, with its state renewable portfolio standards, the California Solar Initiative, massive wind power plants and strong venture capital presence, is well-positioned to lead the growth of the green-collar job sector.”
6. Tapping into water conservation: “While some companies are already viewing water as the next oil—and are starting to prepare s if the world is approaching ‘peak water’—2009 will bring a new wave of water conservation efforts among U.S. organizations.”
7. Get on the bus: “Simply put, Americans think life is better when they have the option not to drive.”
8. Solar’s future luster: “Despite what could be a rough 2009—or at least a rough first quarter of 2009—analysts remain optimistic about the (solar) industry’s long-term future following the ITC extension and a new administration stepping in to Washington, D.C.”
9. ‘Go green’ goes down: “(B)ecause the media and its consumers have matured a bit in relation to what they view as truly ‘green,’ companies need to stretch much further to garner attention for their environmental initiatives.”

Overall, the trend report suggests an economy that will continue to transform itself in the face of a deep recession. Progress may slow some next year, but sustainability is no passing fad.