Civil Engineering Code of Ethics

Civil Engineering Code of Ethics

• Civil engineers uphold integrity, honor, and dignity by using knowledge and skills to enhance human welfare and the environment.
• Engineers must be honest, impartial, and serve with fidelity to the public, employers/employees, and clients.
• Engineers strive to increase the competence and prestige of the civil engineering profession.
• Support professional and technical societies within their disciplines.

Fundamental Canons

• Engineers prioritize public safety, health, and welfare.
• Engineers comply with sustainable development principles in their duties.
• Public safety is dependent on engineering judgments, decisions, and practices.
• Engineers inform clients/employers of possible consequences when professional judgment is overruled.
• Engineers report violations of Canon 1 to the proper authority.
• Provide constructive service in civic affairs and promote environmental protection through sustainable development.
• Engineers should be committed to improving the environment through sustainable development to improve the quality of life for the public.

Canon 2: Competence

• Engineers perform services only within their areas of competence.
• Engineers are qualified by education and experience.
• Engineers can take on assignments outside their current competence if services are restricted to necessary project phases.
• Other project phases should be done by qualified associates, consultants, or employees.
• Engineers will not sign off on anything they lack competence in.

Canon 3: Public Statements

• Engineers issue objective and truthful public statements.
• Public statements should extend public knowledge of engineering and sustainable development.
• Don't participate in spreading false, unfair, or exaggerated statements about engineering.
• Professional reports, statements, or testimony must be objective and truthful.
• Relevant and pertinent information should be included.
• Express engineering opinions based on adequate knowledge, technical competence, and honest conviction, when acting as expert witnesses.
• Engineers avoid issuing statements commissioned by interested parties.
• Engineers should be dignified and modest in explaining their work.
• Avoid actions that promote personal interest over the integrity of the profession.

Canon 4: Conflicts of Interest

• Engineers act in professional matters as faithful agents and trustees for their employers or clients.
• Avoiding conflicts of interest with employers or clients.
• Promptly inform employers/clients of business associations or circumstances that could affect judgment or service quality.
• Engineers should not accept compensation from multiple parties for the same project.
• Do not solicit or accept gratuities from contractors, agents, or parties dealing with clients.
• Engineers in public service avoid participating in considerations or actions related to services from their organization.
• Engineers will advise clients if their studies show a project won't be successful.
• Must not use confidential information for personal profit.
• Do not take professional assignments outside of their regular work without their employer's knowledge.

Canon 5: Fair Competition

• Build a professional reputation based on the merit of services.
• Do not give, solicit, or receive political contributions, gratuities, or unlawful considerations to obtain work (except for salaried positions through employment agencies).
• Negotiate contracts for professional services based on competence and qualifications.
• Accept professional commissions only if professional judgments would not be compromised.
• Do not falsify or misrepresent any academic or professional qualifications/experience.
• Give proper credit for engineering work to the appropriate parties.
• Advertise professional services in a way that does not contain misleading language or is derogatory to the dignity of the profession.
• Use professional cards (in approved and appropriate publications, provided standards are met).
• Use brochures that accurately describe services without misleading information about their involvement in projects.
• Use advertising in recognized publications with respect to the extent of participation in projects described.
• Ensure statements or articles are factual, dignified, and do not imply more than direct participation in projects.
• Statements should not include endorsements of proprietary products.

Canon 6: Integrity & Conduct

• Maintain honor, integrity, and dignity of the engineering profession.
• Do not engage in fraudulent, dishonest, or unethical practices.
• Promote effective use of resources through open, honest, and impartial service to the public, employers, associates, and clients.
• Act with zero tolerance for bribery, fraud, and corruption in engineering/ construction.
• Maintain appropriate ethical behavior where payments of gratuities or bribes are common practices.
• Projects should be transparent: disclosure of names, addresses, purposes, and fees/commissions for agents.
• Encouraging certifications regarding zero tolerance for bribery, fraud, and corruption.

Canon 7: Professional Development

• Continue professional development throughout their careers.
• Provide opportunities for professional development for engineers under their supervision.
• Be current in their specific field by engaging in professional practice, educational courses, reading technical literature, and attending professional meetings/ seminars.
• Encourage employees to become registered.
• Encourage engineers to participate and present papers at professional and technical meetings.
• Maintain mutually satisfying relationships with employers and employees. Respect terms of employment (including grade descriptions, salary ranges, and fringe benefits).