Environmental Product Declarations (EPD)

Page Last Updated: June 24, 2025

General

The purpose of the Caltrans Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Implementation Project is to collect EPDs for materials incorporated into construction projects in order to quantify the Global Warming Potential (GWP) emissions in the manufacturing of those materials for our transportation system.

Buy Clean California

The Buy Clean California Act, originally signed into law on October 15, 2017 mandates collection of EPDs for eligible materials (carbon steel rebar, structural steel, flat glass, and mineral wool board insulation).

• Department Exemptions to Environmental Product Declarations in Public Contract Code § 3503 (PDF)
• Construction Manual 3-606 Buy Clean California Act

For more information on the Buy Clean California Act, please refer to 6-1.06B of the latest Standard Specification.

Hot Mix Asphalt and Concrete

For projects with bid opening dates starting February 1, 2025, Caltrans requires EPD submittals for the following materials:

• Asphalt Concrete
• Concrete
• Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU)

Contractors will also be required to submit the estimated quantities of material used and the intended material application.

For more information, see the links below:

• CPD 24-8, Environmental Product Declarations for Hot Mix Asphalt and Concrete (PDF)
• Standard Special Provision 6-1.08 (PDF)
• Standard Special Provision Section 58-2.01C(9) (PDF)

New Caltrans EPD Database and FAQ's

Caltrans has developed a new database for contractors to add and submit EPDs. The new website was designed to improve the user experience and streamline the processes of entering and submitting EPDs.

A comprehensive FAQ section is also available on the EPD database to assist users with common questions about submittal requirements, system navigation, and program eligibility.

• EPD Database
• FAQs for EPD - General
• FAQs for BCCA Requirements
• FAQs for Concrete and Asphalt EPDs

Product Category Rules

Use the product category rule in effect on the date of bid opening unless otherwise authorized. Where a product category rule for material or product has expired without replacement as of the bid opening date, no environmental product declaration is required for that particular material or product.

Where separate bid item exists (Pilot Projects only): Submit a schedule of values for material and product environmental product declarations within 15 days after Contract approval.

 

Program Operator Consortium (POC) develops PCRs, reviews and verifies EPDs, reports Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and publishes customized Type III environmental declaration formats in accordance with the International Standard ISO 14025.

FHWA Climate Challenge

Caltrans is excited to announce the FHWA Climate Challenge Program.  Please click here for more information on the program.

Additional Resources

• How to create a DIME account (video)
• Find PCRs and EPDs on their website programoperators.org
• Caltrans EPD Authorized Materials List
• For any project specific questions, please contact your METS Representative
• For general EPD questions, contact EPD@dot.ca.gov

Pilot Project Updates

Five major building materials put into service by Caltrans have been identified to include Concrete, Carbon Steel Rebar, Structural Steel (SS), Asphalt, and Aggregate and will be the initial set of materials to which EPDs will be collected on pilot projects and used for determining baseline environmental impacts.

• Latest Non-Standard Special Provision (NSSP) for Pilot Projects 6-1.06_N03-05-19_2019

Current Pilot Projects Requiring EPDs (updated 03/27/2020, additional projects to be added)

✔ Indicates pilot project has anticipated quantity of material meeting threshold to require EPD as set forth in NSSP