SE-14-C081 -- Ethical Practice for Consulting Engineers PDF

The ASHRAE Code of Ethics sets broad guidelines for its members, including for example to "avoid conflicts of interest." These types of sweeping generalities are subject to many different interpretations and would therefore be difficult to enforce. States have published a detailed Engineering Code of Ethics with much more specific rules, which are binding upon all licensed Professional Engineers within their jurisdiction. Some Professional Engineers may not be aware of these rules. This Paper reviews and explores typical State Ethics Codes and provides real-world ethics examples. Topics include specification writing; submittal reviews; and serving multiple entities on the same project. For example, one clause found in most State Ethics Codes reads "Licensees shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable consideration, either directly or indirectly, from contractors, suppliers, agents or other parties in return for endorsing, recommending or specifying their services or products in connection with work for employers or clients" and this clause – among others - is explored in the paper. Recommendations are given as to how ASHRAE might strengthen its own Code of Ethics.