The information provided in this guidebook is based on a field evaluation of grantees in the Institutional Conservation Program (ICP). The ICP, authorized by the National Energy Conservation Policy Act of 1978 and administered by the Department of Energy, provides energy audits and 50 percent matching grants for detailed energy analyses and for the installation of energy-saving capital improvement to schools and hospitals. The evaluation studied the experiences of a sample of Cycle I and Cycle II ICP grantees to determine the impacts of the program and the factors that contribute to achieving and sustaining energy savings. Among these factors, strong and effective leadership by institution managers was clearly linked to the success of energy conservation programs. Thus, the key elements of the manager's role in effective energy conservation are highlighted. Major areas considered include: energy and the organization; energy and management decisions; and management and the energy conservation process (focusing on evaluating in-house resources, performing energy analyses, developing and implementing energy management strategies, and maintaining the energy management program). An introduction (providing a description of a typical conservation program and other information) and sources of additional information are included. (JN)