People often use the term "green energy" to refer to alternative energy technologies. But green energy doesn't guarantee maximum energy savings at a minimum cost--a common misconception. For school business officials, green energy means getting the lowest energy bills for the lowest construction cost, which translates into maximizing green energy savings while minimizing its cost. To achieve maximum energy efficiency at the lowest cost, energy efficiency must be optimized. The only way to achieve energy efficiency in a car or in a building is to diligently optimize the energy efficiency of every aspect of the design, from start to finish. To accomplish this goal, one must follow a rigorous procedure proven to achieve results. In this article, the author offers four steps to follow when considering energy efficiency: (1) Define green energy as achieving maximum energy efficiency at minimum cost; (2) Set an aggressive goal to achieve 50% energy reduction beyond the energy code for every area of building energy use; (3) Perform energy simulations at the outset of the conceptual design phase to assess all energy-efficiency options with paybacks of 15 years or fewer; and (4) Select an experienced design team that includes an independent energy consultant who represents the owner for achieving optimal energy efficiency. By following this procedure, one will realize the maximum energy savings at the minimum cost; hence, one will achieve green energy for the next building project.