Step 2: Normative Requirements Pass (Discussion)

Section Content:

Facts:
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.