New Geothermal System Sets ‘Standard’ at ECC’s Manufacturing and Technology Center

ELGIN, Ill. June 30, 2026 — As more industries increasingly adopt sustainable and energy-efficient technologies, Elgin Community College’s (ECC) new Manufacturing and Technology Center (MTC) will provide students with hands-on experience using one of the fastest-growing systems in the HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) industry: geothermal technology.

In this video, Reyes Estrada, ECC’s instructional coordinator for HVAC, describes how the geothermal system installed at the MTC will serve as both a teaching tool and a workforce development resource when the facility opens in the fall.

"We want to set a standard," Estrada says in the video. "Geothermal system technology is gaining a lot of popularity as there’s more construction for buildings, hospitals, and schools. Having the geothermal system will allow us to close the skill gap that is out there in the industry."

The new technology will give students hands-on experience working with water-source heat pumps and other geothermal components that help move heating and cooling throughout buildings, Estrada adds. They’ll also learn how to monitor water temperatures, troubleshoot performance issues, and service the system.

"The industry has changed my life and my career," says Estrada. "I want to advocate for the students that there is an industry pathway here that can be very rewarding."

Watch this video to learn more about the geothermal system and how ECC is preparing students in the evolving HVAC industry.

Contact:
Elgin Community College
Communications
Office: 847.214.7838
Email: news@elgin.edu

About ECC: An Achieving the Dream Leader College and one of the Aspen Institute’s Top 200 schools in the nation, Elgin Community College (ECC) is a comprehensive, fully accredited public community college and serves approximately 16,000 students each year Programs of study include more than 30 major fields for university transfer, a full complement of pre-collegiate courses, corporate and continuing education, and more than 130 career-oriented occupational degrees and certificates. ECC is also a U.S. Department of Education-designated Hispanic Serving Institution.

ECC NEWS MEDIA PROTOCOL
All members of the media should utilize the communications department as the first point of contact. The director of communications may be reached at 847-214-7838 or news@elgin.edu. All Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests must be submitted in writing to Erin Schmalen, compliance officer, at eschmalen@elgin.edu or via fax at 847-214-7375.