<p>A streamlined value chain is no longer optional &ndash; it is the life blood of Gulf energy companies&rsquo; competitive strategy. Energy efficiency, along with the rise of natural gas and renewables, has climbed to the top of energy stakeholders&rsquo; agendas. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global investment in energy efficiency grew in 2016 on the previous year by %9, to 231$ billion.</p>

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<p>And unsurprisingly. The &lsquo;lower for longer&rsquo; oil price &ndash; now heading into a third year &ndash; put the global spotlight on streamlining costs while bolstering output. Re-jigged payrolls, unprecedented subsidy reforms, nurtured intellectual champions of an innovative future and soaring corporate appetite for digital tools as part of the 4th Industrial Revolution are just the beginning.</p>

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<p>Efforts are paying off. The world would have used %12 more energy in 2016 had it not been for energy efficiency improvements since 2000 &ndash; the equivalent of another EU on the global energy map. But many more efficiencies must &ndash; for economic and environmental security &ndash; be explored. The Middle East&rsquo;s swelling population, rising energy consumption &ndash; up by %49 by 2030 &ndash; and thickening environmental rulebook means speed and sustainability are paramount.</p>

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<p>What are the top 5 energy efficiency strategies to ensure 2018 is noted in the history books for unrivalled progress? As automotive entrepreneur Henry Ford said: &ldquo;If you always do what you did,<br />
you&rsquo;ll always get what you got.&rdquo;</p>

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