New code for climate adaptation

The Code outlines ethical and professional requirements for engineers to address climate adaptation and resilience – closely aligning with our own guidance in Practice Note 32 Climate Action – the Role of the Engineer.  With this latest release, it is important to make sure you understand your obligations with regards to climate change.

All Engineering New Zealand members are required to adhere to the Code of Ethical Conduct – taking  responsibility for ensuring their work prioritises the safety and wellbeing of society and the environment. It also reinforces the role of engineers as trusted advisers, with a responsibility to provide informed advice on climate change impacts, mitigation, and adaptation.

In the context of climate change, engineers should consider the following key obligations:

1. Public interest obligations:  Engineers must “take reasonable steps to safeguard the health and safety of people” (Clause 1 of the Code). As the climate changes, engineering activities can either increase or decrease exposure to climate hazards. Engineers must have regard to the reasonably foreseeable effects of their work.
2. Personal conduct obligations: Engineers are required to act competently, keeping engineering knowledge and skills up to date and to only undertake work within areas of competence (Clause 4 of the Code). To upskill on climate change and its implications, please visit our Engineering Climate Action webpage.
3. Advisory obligations: Engineers are required to inform others of the consequences of not following advice. The Code states “if you become aware that your professional advice may not be followed and consider that a failure to observe that advice may have adverse consequences, you must inform the recipient of the advice of those adverse consequences” (Clause 6). We recommend you take reasonable steps to communicate potentially harmful consequences in writing. This ensures there is a record of your action in the future.

Practice Note 32 provides practical guidance on taking a holistic approach to climate impacts, challenging the status quo, influencing decision-making, and supporting adaptation through design. It also includes a useful checklist to support ethical and professional practice.

The release of WFEO’s Model Code reinforces the critical role engineers play in responding to climate change. To support your work in mitigation and adaptation, we encourage you to revisit the ethical foundations set out in Practice Note 32 and take meaningful action as the year ahead unfolds.