Program Overview

Environmental Control Technology Program

The Environmental Control Technology (ECT) program at Laney College is a cutting-edge Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) program that teaches students the technical and theoretical problem-solving skills to succeed. The program is taught by dedicated instructors with extensive residential and commercial experience.

Department Overview

The ECT program is part of the Building and Skilled Trades Pathway, which includes other programs such as Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Carpentry, Construction Management, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Digital Fabrication, Electrical and Electronics Technology, Machine Technology, Welding Technology, and Wood Technology.

Labs and Facilities

The Laney ECT lab is an ideal environment to get hands-on experience in state-of-the-art residential, light commercial, and commercial HVAC systems. The lab facilities include:

• Commercial HVAC Lab: an 8,000 square foot lab with a full-size commercial hydronic system
• Multi-vendor Building Controls Lab: the latest devices on the market operate in unison to support HVAC training equipment
• Computer Lab, Classroom, and Workbenches: a 28-station computer lab with instructional software and an array of workbenches and trainers

Career Opportunities

An ECT degree opens the door to a wide range of job opportunities in fields related to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and energy efficiency. Some of the key career paths include:

• HVAC Technician: install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
• Energy Efficiency Specialist: assess and improve energy use in buildings, design energy-saving strategies, and implement renewable energy solutions
• Refrigeration Technician: specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing refrigeration systems
• Building Automation Systems (BAS) Technician: manage and optimize building automation systems
• HVAC System Designer: design HVAC systems for new construction projects
• Energy Auditor: conduct energy audits of homes and businesses to identify energy waste and recommend improvements
• Environmental Control Engineer: design systems and solutions to control environmental conditions
• Facilities Manager: oversee the operation and maintenance of building systems
• Sustainability Coordinator: develop and implement sustainability initiatives within organizations
• Sales Engineer: work with manufacturers or suppliers of HVAC and energy efficiency products
• Field Service Technician: provide on-site maintenance and repair services for HVAC and environmental control systems

Scholarships

There are several scholarships available to ECT students, including:

• Johnson Controls Scholarships: three $500 scholarships for Fall 2025
• Grainger Scholarship: $150 for Spring 2026, available to ECT students enrolled in WELD 215A