According to survey results published by global growth consultancy Frost and Sullivan, the following are seen by industry players as among the key trends for the energy and environment industries for 2012:

• efficient generation, distribution and use of energy
• digital technologies for smart grids, smart water and smart buildings
• technology and market convergence is attracting new players to the energy and environment arena
• efficient localization of best in class services is a key growth challenge

Hot industry topics include wastewater treatment, water monitoring, smart water, industrial waste management, waste re-use, materials recovery, decentralized water and wastewater treatment, and waste recycling.

There is much more information at http://www.slideshare.net/FrostandSullivan/frost-sullivan-whats-hot-in-the-energy-and-environment-industry-in-2012-12668643

and information about Frost & Sullivan at http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/about-us.pag