Thank you for your interest in participating in this study of electrification in non-residential retrofit projects! To register your interest, please complete the sign-up form below. Eligible participants will be contacted in February to complete a pre-focus group survey and to schedule focus group meetings in March. For more information about the study, continue reading this page.
FAQ
The California Center for Sustainable Communities (CCSC) at UCLA, funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), is conducting a study on retrofit needs for installing zero-emission equipment in existing non-residential and commercial buildings (e.g., large multifamily, offices, food stores, warehouses, health care, restaurants, hotels, retail, schools, etc.) We will host focus groups with professionals who have worked on real-world projects involving zero-emission equipment installation or related electrical, mechanical, or plumbing upgrades. Participants may include electricians, contractors, inspectors, permitting staff, building engineers, and building operators. Results of this project will inform CARB and other policymakers’ efforts to pursue zero-emission equipment regulations and rapid building decarbonization, as well as set the groundwork for future primary data collection efforts, including building site visits.
Eligible participants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Have completed a project installing zero-emission equipment or associated electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work in an existing non-residential building.
- Have attempted such a project, even if it was not completed.
- Have supported permitting or inspection for such a project.
Participation in this project will consist of:
- Completing a pre-focus group survey (up to 20 questions).
- Attending one focus group (up to 3 hours), offered in person or remotely. Focus groups will be organized by profession, experience, and building sector.
- (Optional) Submitting project photos or documentation for up to seven projects.
Early recruitment of eligible participants will be conducted December 2025 and January 2026.
Invitations will be sent in February 2026. Focus group meetings will be scheduled for March 2026, with flexible options based on participant availability.
Participants can receive the following compensation:
- $25 for completing the pre-focus group survey.
- $25 for each (optional) set of project photos/documentation (up to 7 projects; max $200 total).
- $100/hour for focus group participation (meetings up to 3 hours).
Participants may earn up to $500 total.
