From Energy-Intensive to Net-Zero Ready: A Campus Sustainability Transition at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia

The transition to net-zero energy solutions in university campuses is essential for advancing sustainability and enhancing energy efficiency. This paper presents a mathematical optimization model for implementing net-zero energy strategies in Saudi Arabian universities, focusing on Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) as a case study. An administration building within IMSIU campus, using real operational data with daily peak loads of 900 kW, are analyzed to determine optimal configurations of renewable and storage systems. Simulation results show that optimally deploying a 3,500 kW photovoltaic array integrated with a 560 kW/2,800 kWh battery energy storage system can effectively meet building-level energy demands and achieve seasonal net-zero balance during both winter and summer periods. The model demonstrates a substantial reduction in grid dependency while promoting the integration of renewable energy resources, showing strong alignment with the targets of the Saudi Green Initiative and national pathways for accelerating renewable energy deployment and energy sustainability. The findings provide a scalable and replicable framework for universities seeking to transition toward net-zero readiness, promoting sustainability in higher education and supporting the broader national goal of carbon-neutral development.