FAQs for Concrete and Asphalt EPDs

General Purpose of EPD Requirements

Why is Caltrans requiring EPDs for hot mix asphalt and concrete?: The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. Collecting EPD data helps quantify the global warming potential (GWP) of materials, measured in carbon dioxide equivalents. This information will assist in setting future GWP benchmarks by material type and location and inform future contract requirements.

Project Eligibility

Which projects require EPD submittals for hot mix asphalt and concrete?

EPD submission requirements apply to projects that meet all of the following criteria:

Bid opening date: After February 1, 2025
Total bid amount: More than $1 million
Original working days: 175 or more
Material Quantity Thresholds

At what material quantities must EPDs be submitted?

EPDs are required when materials meet the following thresholds: Hot mix asphalt: 2,250 tons from a plant per job mix formula Concrete: 250 cubic yards from a plant per mix design

Submission Deadlines

When must EPDs be submitted?

EPDs must be submitted within 30 days of initial material placement on the project.

What happens if an EPD is not submitted on time?

If an EPD is not submitted within 30 days, a $6,000 performance failure withhold will be assessed by the resident engineer for each missing EPD.

If the missing EPD is submitted before contract acceptance, the withhold will be returned.
If the missing EPD is not submitted by contract acceptance, the withhold becomes a permanent deduction.

Submission Process

How should contractors submit EPDs?: Contractors must submit EPDs through the EPD Data Collection System

Relation to Buy Clean California Act (BCCA)

Are EPDs for hot mix asphalt and concrete part of the Buy Clean California Act?: No, the Buy Clean California Act (BCCA) applies to reinforcement and structural steel to ensure that materials do not exceed the maximum allowed GWP values set by the Department of General Services (DGS).

For hot mix asphalt and concrete, EPDs are only required for data collection purposes and are not subject to GWP limits at this time.

Data/EPD Validity for Long Projects

If a project spans three years and EPDs expire in year two, can EPDs valid at the project start be submitted for job completion?: EPDs must be valid at the time of project quantity submission, whether it is at the start, middle, or end of the project.
If EPDs are revalidated mid-project with higher GWP numbers, how should this be handled?: The latest GWP numbers must be used wherever applicable.

Responsibility for Uploading EPDs and Project Information

Who is responsible for uploading EPDs and project quantity information?: Caltrans contracts with the prime contractor. The prime contractor may elect to delegate EPD and quantity submission responsibilities to the supplier. The EPD website allows either party to create an account and submit information.
Should only the concrete producer upload EPDs to minimize errors?: While the concrete producer can upload EPDs, the contractor is ultimately responsible for ensuring that project information is uploaded. Suppliers may not always have project details at the time of EPD input, especially when submitting EPDs in bulk before project identification.

Quantity Submissions

How often should quantity information be submitted (e.g., monthly, quarterly, or at the end of the project)?: A one-time submission, either based on the purchase order or after delivering the final quantity, is an acceptable frequency for Caltrans.
How should discrepancies between ordered and delivered quantities be handled in submissions? Should the "Quantity" field reflect actual delivered amounts or estimated values?: Submissions should reflect the actual delivered quantity. A one-time submission after final delivery is the expected reporting method. Clarifications can be provided in the comments to ensure clarity.