Civil Engineering Code of Ethics1
to which I subscribe
Fundamental Principles2
Engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of the engineering
profession by:
- using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare
and the environment;
- being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity the public, their
employers and clients;
- striving to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering
profession; and
- supporting the professional and technical societies of their disciplines.
Fundamental Canons
- Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the
public and shall strive to comply with the principles of sustainable
development3 in the performance of
their professional duties.
- Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence.
- Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and
truthful manner.
- Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or
client as faithful agents or trustees, and shall avoid conflicts of interest.
- Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit
of their services and shall not compete unfairly with others.
- Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the
honor, integrity, and dignity of the engineering profession.
- Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout
their careers, and shall provide opportunities for the professional
development of those engineers under their supervision.
1 As adopted September 2, 1914, and most recently amended November 10, 1996
by the American Society of Civil Engineers
(ASCE).
2 The ASCE adopted THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES of the ABET Code of Ethics of
Engineers as accepted by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.
(ABET). (By ASCE Board of Direction action April 12-14, 1975)
3 In November 1996, the ASCE Board of Direction adopted the following
definition of Sustainable Development: "Sustainable Development is the challenge
of meeting human needs for natural resources, industrial products, energy, food,
transportation, shelter, and effective waste management while conserving and
protecting environmental quality and the natural resource base essential for
future development."
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Last modified: 31 October 2001