San Jacinto College Center for Petrochemical Energy & Technology (CPET)

To meet the growing demands of the industry, San Jacinto College’s Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology (CPET) is a visionary project that leads the way in training the next generation of skilled workers. Designed by industry leaders, the 151,000-square-foot institutional complex is the largest instructional complex in the Gulf Coast Region. San Jac’s partnership with the petrochemical industry has created an opportunity to reflect the culture in the 33 custom interior labs, 20 interactive classrooms, pilot plant lab, and 8,000-square-foot glycol distillation unit.

Project Details

The growth of the petrochemical and renewable energy sector requires a steady stream of skilled workers who need a 21st-century institution with group-based active-learning classrooms and laboratories. To meet the future needs of students, San Jac wanted to harness new technology by integrating the latest in voice, data, video, and wireless communications for the CPET facility. Thinking beyond the traditional classroom, NCS was tasked with designing and installing an extensive information technology (IT) and collaborative AV infrastructure solution. Part of the challenge of integrating a robust IT network and a multilayered infrastructure system was ensuring varying levels of access and connectivity on a unified platform. NCS installed custom solutions to ensure a future-ready facility, which included computer network Internet access, a Wi-Fi network, high definition and interactive monitors throughout the facility, sound distribution, public safety systems, and video surveillance, all of which help San Jac IT staff to focus on the more mission-critical applications that drive the college experience.

By integrating the latest technology trends, equipment, and best practices, the new center’s infrastructure network has more wireless throughput, intelligent lighting systems, collaboration spaces, enhanced security measures, complex audiovisual systems, and smart building technology. The project was completed within the requested timeframe and budget. As San Jacinto College grows, NCS continues to work alongside the college to standardize the IT infrastructure for future facilities, including the new ground-up campus at Generation Park.