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Engineering Ethics

Overview. Define ethicsReview the code of ethicsImportance of the code of ethicsApplication to energy codes and standards. Handouts. Copy of the NSPE Code of EthicsCopy of the ASHRAE Code of Ethics. What is Ethics?. Webster's dictionary definition of ethics is as follows:1. The discipline d

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Engineering Ethics

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    1. Engineering Ethics Relationship to the Building Design Industry

    2. Overview Define ethics Review the code of ethics Importance of the code of ethics Application to energy codes and standards

    3. Handouts Copy of the NSPE Code of Ethics Copy of the ASHRAE Code of Ethics

    4. What is Ethics? Webster’s dictionary definition of ethics is as follows: 1. The discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation 2. a : a set of moral principles or values b : a theory or system of moral values c : the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group d : a guiding philosophy

    5. Engineering Ethics Engineering Ethics is defined as: The rules and standards governing the conduct of engineers in their role as professionals. Charles Fleddermann, Engineering Ethics, 2004, p. 2

    6. NSPE Code of Ethics Adopted by many states as law. Composed of three main parts: Fundamental Canons Rules of Practice Professional Obligations

    7. NSPE Code of Ethics Fundamental Canons Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public Perform services only in the areas of their competence Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees Avoid deceptive acts Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.

    8. NSPE Code of Ethics Rules of Practice Define more clearly each of the 6 canons and what issues apply.

    9. ASHRAE Code of Ethics As members of a Society “organized and operated for the exclusive purpose of advancing the arts and sciences of heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, and ventilation, the allied arts and sciences, and related human factors for the benefit of the general public” we recognize that honesty, fairness, courtesy and integrity must characterize our conduct.

    10. ASHRAE Code of Ethics (Cont.) With the forgoing in mind Our efforts shall be directed at all times to the enhancement of the public health, safety, and welfare. Our service shall be offered only in the areas of our competence. Our products shall be offered only in areas of suitability. Our public statements shall be issued in an objective and truthful manner. Our endeavors shall carefully avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest. The confidentiality of clients’ and employers’ business affairs, propriety information, and procedures shall be respected.

    11. Why is the Code of Ethics Important? Law. Most of us in the room would not knowingly and willingly break the law. Standard for profession. Protects the reputations of all engineers. Provides a clear basis from which all engineers should act and make decisions.

    12. Interpretations by Board of Ethics Review When one is confronted by an ethical issue or dilemma one should: Reference the Code of Ethics Not an all encompassing document If not in the code, does not mean that it is okay. There is the opportunity to write the NSPE Board of Ethics Review for their interpretation. Takes awhile for a response and most ethical dilemmas require a fairly quick decision Committee posts all issues and interpretations on the NSPE web page for general reference Prior to requesting interpretation or with a time sensitive issue you can try to find a similar case

    13. Ethical Decision Making Process Gather facts Define ethical issues Identify all affected parties Identify consequences (positive and negative) Identify obligations, duties, & rights Reference codes of ethics Consider personal character, integrity, & virtues Check your gut Creatively decide on the proper ethical action

    14. Energy Codes Many states adopted as a portion of the code. Must be complied with.

    15. Implications of Energy Codes Why should the codes be followed (Why has it been adopted): It’s law Better design Protects the environment Decreases consumption of natural resources Decreases the utility bills More money for the designer Promote the development of new products Have the class develop listHave the class develop list

    16. Implications of Energy Codes Why aren’t the codes always followed: Additional expense to project Design and construction More complicated Unfamiliar Lack of enforcement A need to be competitive Have class develop listHave class develop list

    17. Ethical Issue 1 You as an EIT designer have been hired by an owner to design a hotel. The project design is 75% complete. The owner has asked you to design around lower efficiency equipment then you planned. Is this ethical?

    18. Ethical Issue 2 If the equipment efficiency is lower than then that allowed by the energy code minimums, is this ethical?

    19. Ethical Issue 3 The owner notifies you that the equipment that he/she is requesting be used has already been purchased and is being stored in a warehouse. Does this change the situation or your decision?

    20. Ethical Issue 4 The owner states that they will take their project to another engineering firm that will accommodate their request if you do not design around this equipment. Recognize that the contact is written so that your firm does not get paid until project completion. What should be done?

    21. Ethical Issue 5 The owner has contacted the P.E. that you are working under. This P.E. is also the principal of the firm you work for. They have instructed you to manipulate the calculations sent to the code official to show that the design meets the energy code requirements. Recognize that you are not the signing P.E. on the project. What will you do?

    22. Ethical Issue 6 The owner has decided to take their project to another firm. The hotel is built – your company has lost a lot of money over this project. What can or should you do?

    23. Ethical Issue 7 Does your decision as to what to do change if the engineering on the completed project happens to be a good friend?

    24. Ethical Issue 8 The owner has asked that the plans you have been working on be turned over to them electronically. Do you turn them over? What if you have given them the plans prior to their request for a change in equipment?

    25. Ethical Issue 9 Let’s discuss the implications or ethical issue related to each of the other parties. Principal Owner Installation Contractor Code Official

    26. Application of NSPE Code of Ethics Section I.1, II.1 Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. Section II.1.f Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall report thereon to appropriate professional bodies and, when relevant, also to public authorities, and cooperate with the proper authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required. Section II.5 Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts. Section III.1.e Engineers shall not promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity and integrity of the profession.

    27. ASHRAE Standard 90.1 (Cont.) Section III.2 Engineers shall at all times strive to serve public interest. Section III.2.b Engineers shall not complete, sign, or seal plans and/or specifications that are not in conformity with the applicable engineering standards. If the client or employer insists on such unprofessional conduct, they shall notify the proper authorities and withdraw from further service on the project. Section III.7 Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other engineers. Engineers that believe others are guilty of unethical or illegal practice shall present such in formation to the proper authority for action.

    28. Conclusion Ethics is very important to our profession Code of Ethics should be familiar to every engineer. Code of Ethics should be used as a basis of professional decisions. Many engineers in the building industry need to apply the Code of Ethics to their professional practice.

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