As higher-education institutions across the country struggle with constrained sources of funds, more than 80 percent of state institutions said they rely on energy-management programs to reduce operating costs, according to a report released by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (Aascu). The report, based on a survey of 114 Aascu members and conducted from November 2007 to January 2008, found that while three in four colleges are satisfied with their cost-containment efforts, few keep track of their progress. A majority of institutions--more than 60 percent of those responding--said they did not regularly quantify their efforts to save money. The 29 institutions that did keep records reported a median savings of approximately $135 per student, or some $1-million a year per college, as a result of cost-containment activities. While many colleges and universities reported cutting costs in energy management, through conservation and energy-efficiency programs, for instance, a sizable number of institutions--61 percent of those responding--indicated that they belonged to purchasing consortia. What those groups most often buy collectively are computer services, liability insurance, office supplies, and library resources, according to respondents.