Key success factors in energy efficiency are that there is a formulated long-term energy strategy, concrete energy efficiency goals, a person responsible for the issue and that there is full support from top management. Research, internationally, nationally and within the Gävleborg region at the same time, shows that these factors are not met among the SMEs. The current research also shows that there are a number of tools and methods for energy efficiency where energy efficiency networks and energy mapping are two important tools. Additional examples of tools consist of a database of concrete examples of proposed and implemented energy efficiency measures within the respective industry, software for energy mapping and Lean. In this context, Lean deals with analyses of the entire value-creating production chain and highlighting a number of production-related wastes, which can have an impact on the company’s energy use that far exceeds what traditional energy mapping and implementing energy saving measures provide. Goal The overall goal is to contribute to lower carbon dioxide and energy-efficient industrial production via operationalisation of energy efficiency networks with Lean focus, including SMF in Gävleborg. Through collaboration between academia and industry, the project aims to contribute to more low-carbon and energy efficient industrial production through energy efficiency and sustainability criteria, as well as the development and use of decision support tools regarding efficiency, comprising a total of 20 industrial companies in Gävleborg (SMF). Milestones -Distribution of knowledge regarding opportunities for energy efficiency, Lean (with a focus on production-related wastes), and sustainability criteria to at least 20 small and medium-sized industrial enterprises -Identification, formulation and knowledge dissemination of all sustainability criteria linked to energy efficiency in small and medium-sized industrial enterprises (at least 25 % of the participants should be women). —Execut 20 Lean & energy network meetings -20 individuals from individual SMEs are trained in Lean and energy efficiency work, of which 25 % should be women. —20 individuals from industrial SMEs are trained to carry on their own knowledge and skills through that they themselves are trained to be mentors, of which 25 % should be women. —Pilotimplementation of at least one digital tool for industrial energy conversion in 20 industrial companies. —Distribution of knowledge about the project and its results to at least 50 small and medium-sized industrial companies in Gävleborg and 400 in Sweden and internationally. Expected results at project conclusion Strengthened competitiveness, increased employment, and more efficient energy use primarily in SMEs in Gävleborg, by initiating, demonstrating, analysing and evaluating energy efficiency networks with pilot implementation of innovative methods. Strengthened competitiveness means that reduced energy costs directly lead to increased profit/decrease loss, something that benefits the company in the short and long term. By freeing up financial resources in companies, it enables stronger companies that can either invest in increased R & D that strengthens their product/service portfolio, or in increased marketing, for example by entering new markets nationally and internationally. Expected long-term effects In the long term, the project increases opportunities for the county’s companies to expand, both in terms of their service and product portfolio, and with respect to market dissemination. The project will lead to in-depth individuals, companies, organisations, engineering students, comprehensive school students, etc. will be developed in economic, social and environmental sustainability issues through various inputs into the project.