Tarshid Finishes Madinah University Retrofit With 33% Energy-Saving Potential

Saudi Arabia’s National Energy Services Company, Tarshid, has completed the second phase of an energy-efficiency retrofit at the Islamic University of Madinah. Covering 43 buildings and related facilities, the project upgrades cooling, air-conditioning and lighting systems, with projected annual electricity savings of approximately 26 million kWh.

Key takeaways

The completed project is expected to deliver several measurable operational benefits:

• Electricity consumption is projected to fall from about 39 million kWh to 26 million kWh annually.

• The estimated reduction represents energy savings of approximately 33%.

• The retrofit covers 43 university buildings and associated facilities.

• Savings are equivalent to conserving more than 21,000 barrels of oil each year.

• The project introduced 15 energy-efficiency measures across major building systems.

Retrofit targets high-consumption systems

The project followed technical assessments that identified opportunities to improve energy performance across the university campus. Tarshid replaced existing chillers, pumps and air-conditioning units with higher-efficiency equipment, while variable frequency drives and advanced control systems were added to improve system operation.

These upgrades are particularly relevant to large institutional facilities, where cooling loads and mechanical equipment can account for a substantial share of electricity use. Better controls can also help facilities teams match equipment output to actual occupancy and operating conditions.

LED lighting supports broader efficiency goals

Conventional lighting was replaced with LED fixtures and occupancy sensors as part of the 15-measure program. LED systems typically use less electricity than legacy lamps and can reduce maintenance requirements through longer service life. Occupancy controls add another layer of savings by limiting operation in unoccupied spaces.

For contractors and property managers planning similar upgrades, the university project illustrates the value of coordinating lighting with mechanical and controls work rather than treating each system in isolation. Led Lumenaires supports this type of commercial planning with spec-ready LED SKUs, bulk availability, layout assistance and guidance on potential utility rebates.

Project outcomes extend beyond electricity savings

Tarshid estimates that the annual energy savings will be comparable to conserving more than 21,000 barrels of oil or planting approximately 124,000 seedlings each year. The figures provide broader context for the project’s potential environmental impact while highlighting the operational value of reducing energy demand at a large public institution.

For university, hotel and commercial property operators, the project also demonstrates how phased retrofits can combine equipment replacement, automation and efficient lighting to reduce consumption without relying on a single technology. Product selection, installation quality and dependable warranties remain important considerations when specifying LED systems for high-use facilities.

Sources

• Tarshid completes energy retrofit project at Islamic University of Madinah, Middle East Construction News.