A civil engineer's education primarily focuses on technical knowledge, which is vital for addressing the technical challenges of our society's infrastructure need and advancing the innovative tools we use to develop them. However, an equally important aspect of professional practice is ethics—understanding what is right and wrong. 

Ethics is fundamental in the engineering profession, as civil engineers, regardless of their experience level, frequently encounter complex moral dilemmas. These challenges are often complicated by factors such as time constraints, job security, peer pressure, and professional reputation. Unlike simple choices between good and bad, real-world ethical dilemmas typically involve navigating competing goods or principles, requiring time, effort, and experience to resolve effectively. 

In response to these challenges, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has developed a guide featuring case studies drawn from real-life situations encountered by practicing engineers. The guide centers on the experiences of Sara, an engineer who faces various ethical dilemmas, for example reporting safety concerns in confidential client reports, addressing workplace harassment or managing gifts from vendors. 

Each case study in the guide not only highlights real-life ethical dilemmas but also poses thought-provoking questions designed to help engineers consider the key factors that should guide their decision-making. At the conclusion of each scenario, the guide offers a list of resources from the ASCE Code of Ethics, along with a concise explanation of the most appropriate actions Sara could have taken. 

Civil Renewables, Inc. was pleased to find this document, as we are committed to integrating the latest norms and guidance into the continuous education of our engineers. Ethics is a cornerstone of our training programs, whether for entry-level staff or seasoned professionals with years of experience. As such, this guide not only serves as an excellent resource but also reinforces the crucial reminder that an engineer’s foremost responsibility is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. In any ethical conflict, these values must take precedence over the duty of service to clients, employers, or any other considerations. 

Access the full guide through this link: https://www.asce.org/-/media/asce-images-and-files/career-and-growth/ethics/documents/saras-story.pdf