Taking on an energy management program of a large campus or portfolio of properties can be a daunting task. Rather than “putting out fires” by approaching projects independently, this study analyzes a strategic, deliberate approach to achieving institutional energy cost reduction through a repeatable, stepwise roadmap plan that involves financial planning, needs assessments, prioritization and implementation of audits, retro-commissioning and measures. Setting up your plan allows you to actually predict the impact of the optimization process.