It was ethical for Engineer Jaylani to accept the irrigation system design task. As a matter of personal conviction, it was ethically permissible, but extreme, for Engineer Intern Wasser to refuse the task of design development for the proposed irrigation system. Performing the design task would not have been manifestly unethical, and refusal likely cost Wasser his job. Under the facts, traditional lawn irrigation system design is an ethical expression of engineering work. In awareness of sustainability principles, Engineer Jaylani’s firm is in a position to better serve its clients and the public by introducing and offering “green” irrigation alternatives.

The sustainability ethic has been identified by the United Nations as a “blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future” and thus is broadly expressed in economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Sustainability considerations are far-reaching and touch all of humanity; however, the adjudicating body for this case is the NSPE Board of Ethical Review, so interpretation of the ethics of this case is specific to the NSPE Code of Ethics. This case illustrates the increasing priority and reach of sustainability principles relative to ethical decision-making of professional engineers who use their knowledge, expertise and skill to shape, design and create the built environment. This case is also about competing ethical obligations, specifically an engineer’s right to dissent in the belief that an assigned task is unethical. Further, this case engages the engineering profession’s ethical obligation to respond to complex sustainability challenges. The NSPE Canons of Ethics for Engineers trace to 1946, and for 60 years the NSPE ethics code did not mention sustainable development. In July 2007, the NSPE House of Delegates approved the addition of a sustainable development provision to the Code, Section III.2.d, which read “Engineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development in order to protect the environment for future generations.” A footnote defines sustainable development: “…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.” BER Case 05-04 , written before NSPE included sustainable development in the NSPE Code of Ethics, is fairly representative of the BER’s earlier perspective on environmental sustainability. In finding it was not unethical for Engineer A to fail to volunteer...

Engineer Jaylani is a firm principal for Cutting Edge Engineering and is under contract to complete the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work for a new resort that will be located in a semi-arid region of the southwestern United States. The project’s landscape architect specifies a traditional lawn irrigation system for the resort’s golf course as part of the project. Engineer Intern Wasser is a new employee at Cutting Edge, and Engineer Jaylani assigns Wasser the task of sketching out details for the irrigation system.Wasser refuses to perform the task and says the traditional irrigation system will waste fresh water, cites a recent hydrogeological study indicating that the proposed use would lower the water table, and asserts that Cutting Edge should not do this kind of work. In a formal memorandum to Jaylani, Wasser argues the proposed lawn irrigation system is not consistent with several United Nations sustainable development goals including but not limited to Goal 6– Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, Goal 11– Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, and Goal 15– Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.Further, Wasser points to NSPE Code of Ethics Professional Obligation III.2.d, “Engineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development,” and claims the proposed lawn irrigation system does not conform to sustainability principles.

Was it ethical for Cutting Edge Engineering and Engineer Jaylani to accept the irrigation system design task? Was it ethical for Engineer Intern Wasser to refuse to perform the task of design development for the proposed irrigation system? If the traditional lawn irrigation system design is an ethical expression of engineering work, what can Engineer Jaylani’s firm do to complete the design since Wasser refused?

I.1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. Subject Reference Duty to the Public I.4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees. Subject Reference Employer Faithful Agents and Trustees II.1.a. If engineers' judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger life or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate. Subject Reference Duty to the Public 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. III.1.b. Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when they believe a project will not be successful. Subject Reference Duty to Disclose III.2.a. Engineers are encouraged to participate in civic affairs; career guidance for youths; and work for the advancement of the safety, health, and well-being of their community. Subject Reference Community Service/Civic Affairs Duty to the Public III.2.d. Engineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development 1 in order to protect the environment for future generations. Footnote 1 "Sustainable development" is 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. Subject Reference Sustainable Development III.7. Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practi...