A study of the energy savings potential in New Zealand schools demonstrates that considerable reductions in energy costs can be achieved through energy management. An initial examination of available 1985 light, heat, and water expenditures for 268 secondary schools (84 percent of the secondary schools in New Zealand) is followed by the selection of a number of schools for detailed investigation and for action. Three Wellington and four Christchurch schools were monitored with electronic dataloggers during winter 1986, both before and after action had been taken to improve energy management. In all cases remedial work was cost-effective, with pay-back times of not more than 2 years and in some cases of a few months. Savings in heating fuel costs through improved management ranged from 30 percent to 50 percent, far exceeding original estimates. Techniques used included walk-through energy audits, replacement of timeclock boiler controls with self-adaptive optimum start/stop controllers, runhour meters, and repair of faulty controls. Recommendations for further action are given, and a basic approach to an improved energy management program for the Department of Education is outlined. Dispersed throughout the text are 19 tables and 41 figures, and 19 references are included. The appendixes contain a sample printout illustrating the database structure and two summary reports regarding placing control systems in two schools. (MLF)