'Sustainable Development' Provision Added to Code of Ethics

The NSPE Board of Directors has approved a change to the Code of Ethics that adds language regarding professional engineers’ duty to protect the environment. The change was made based on a recommendation by the Board of Ethical Review. The new provision recognizes the engineer’s obligation to perform professional services consistent with basic principles of sustainable development. Under "Professional Obligations" in section III.2.d. of the Code, the following provision has been added: "Engineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development in order to protect the environment for future generations." In addition, a footnote has been added to the Code defining sustainable development as "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." The change to the Code was adopted at the NSPE Board meeting in January.