Code of Ethics

First adopted in 1914, the ASCE Code of Ethics is the model for professional conduct for ASCE members. The Code of Ethics was most recently updated on October 26, 2020. Download a printable copy in standard paper size (8.5"x11" PDF) or ledger paper size (11"x17" PDF).

---

Code of Ethics

Preamble

Members of The American Society of Civil Engineers conduct themselves with integrity and professionalism, and above all else protect and advance the health, safety, and welfare of the public through the practice of Civil Engineering.

Engineers govern their professional careers on the following fundamental principles:

create safe, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure;

treat all persons with respect, dignity, and fairness in a manner that fosters equitable participation without regard to personal identity;

consider the current and anticipated needs of society; and

utilize their knowledge and skills to enhance the quality of life for humanity.

All members of The American Society of Civil Engineers, regardless of their membership grade or job description, commit to all of the following ethical responsibilities. In the case of a conflict between ethical responsibilities, the five stakeholders are listed in the order of priority. There is no priority of responsibilities within a given stakeholder group with the exception that 1a. takes precedence over all other responsibilities.1

1. Society

Engineers:

a. first and foremost, protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public;

b. enhance the quality of life for humanity;

c. express professional opinions truthfully and only when founded on adequate knowledge and honest conviction;

d. have zero tolerance for bribery, fraud, and corruption in all forms, and report violations to the proper authorities;

e. endeavor to be of service in civic affairs;

f. treat all persons with respect, dignity, and fairness, and reject all forms of discrimination and harassment;

g. acknowledge the diverse historical, social, and cultural needs of the community, and incorporate these considerations in their work;

h. consider the capabilities, limitations, and implications of current and emerging technologies when part of their work; and

i. report misconduct to the appropriate authorities where necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

2. Natural and built environment

Engineers:

a. adhere to the principles of sustainable development;

b. consider and balance societal, environmental, and economic impacts, along with opportunities for improvement, in their work;

c. mitigate adverse societal, environmental, and economic effects; and

d. use resources wisely while minimizing resource depletion.

3. Profession

Engineers:

a. uphold the honor, integrity, and dignity of the profession;

b. practice engineering in compliance with all legal requirements in the jurisdiction of practice;

c. represent their professional qualifications and experience truthfully;

d. reject practices of unfair competition;

e. promote mentorship and knowledge-sharing equitably with current and future engineers;

f. educate the public on the role of civil engineering in society; and

g. continue professional development to enhance their technical and non-technical competencies.

4. Clients and employers

Engineers:

a. act as faithful agents of their clients and employers with integrity and professionalism;

b. make clear to clients and employers any real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest;

c. communicate in a timely manner to clients and employers any risks and limitations related to their work;

d. present clearly and promptly the consequences to clients and employers if their engineering judgment is overruled where health, safety, and welfare of the public may be endangered;

e. keep clients’ and employers’ identified proprietary information confidential;

f. perform services only in areas of their competence; and

g. approve, sign, or seal only work products that have been prepared or reviewed by them or under their responsible charge.