How does construction impact the environment?
From the air we breathe to the water we drink, the construction industry’s impact on the natural world is far-reaching. While new technologies and better ways to build smarter and more sustainably are transforming the industry, it is important for organizations to understand how our building materials and choices impact our world.
Working in unison with Caltrans, Atlas designed an environmental reporting tool that bridges engineering data and public policy. The newly designed tool monitors the environmental impact of construction materials, specifically for their Global Warming Potential (GWP), as mandated by the Buy Clean California Act.
Initially, Atlas assisted Caltrans’ Materials Engineering and Testing Services (METS) division in implementing a method for contractors to submit Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) information as required under the law. While this enabled compliance, Caltrans turned to Atlas for a better way to gather information from contractors and streamline data collection, validation and reporting for statewide compliance.
Answering Caltrans call, Atlas designed an award-winning EPD web application with modern data visualization tools that converts complex datasets into interactive dashboards, making information easier to understand and translate into actionable decisions. This complex project was delivered on time and on budget and provides Caltrans with better automation, dynamic dashboards and user experience enhancements that position our client as a national leader in automated environmental compliance reporting. With real-time data validation and trend analysis, Caltrans was able to eliminate manual processes—saving both valuable time and resources.
“In today’s fast paced world, Atlas is helping our clients build modern tools required to make data-driven decisions,” said Baron Colbert, Atlas Senior Engineer. “This technology reinforces Atlas and Caltrans’ dedication to sustainable infrastructure by transparently tracking carbon footprint data and analyzing the environmental impact of construction materials on our environment.”
Recognized for demonstrating California’s leadership in sustainable infrastructure, this project earned an American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) California Engineering Excellence Merit Award in the 2026 Engineering Excellence Award competition.