The Challenge
Caltrans needed a reliable way to estimate emissions from construction activities, including greenhouse gases (GHGs), air toxics, and criteria pollutants. Construction projects involve diverse equipment fleets and complex activity data, making accurate emissions modeling essential for regulatory compliance and sustainability goals. The challenge was to create a robust, user-friendly tool that integrates multiple data sources and methodologies for project-specific emissions estimation.
Our Solution
Spheros Environmental (formerly Sonoma Technology) collaborated with Caltrans and U.C. Davis to develop the original Caltrans Construction Emissions Tool (CAL-CET) and continues to upgrade the tool with custom features. CAL-CET integrates data from CARB inventories, Caltrans equipment cost and usage reports, and other resources to estimate emissions from on- and off-road construction equipment. We also provided training and created a “Best Practices” package to guide analysts in applying CAL-CET effectively, ensuring quality assurance and innovative approaches for unique project scenarios.
University of California, Davis
Results +What makes this unique
CAL-CET provides Caltrans with a comprehensive, data-driven approach to emissions modeling for construction projects. By integrating multiple datasets and offering QA/QC best practices, the tool improves accuracy and usability for analysts. This project stands out for its innovative methodology and collaboration with clients and academic partners, supporting sustainable infrastructure development and regulatory compliance across California’s transportation sector.
Project Experts
