Ethics and Professional Responsibility Flashcards

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'do no harm' in the context of Envision sustainability ethics?

Answer: Avoiding decisions that create irreversible environmental damage even if they are cost-effective

The precautionary principle embedded in 'do no harm' requires avoiding irreversible environmental damage even when economic arguments favor proceeding.

An Envision SP is hired to evaluate a project in a domain outside their expertise. The ethical course of action is to:

Answer: Decline or bring in qualified co-professionals and be transparent with the client

Professional competence ethics require either declining work outside one's expertise or partnering with qualified specialists while being transparent with the client.

Which action would be considered an improper use of the Envision SP credential?

Answer: Implying that a project is Envision certified before the formal certification is awarded

Claiming or implying certification before it is formally awarded is misrepresentation, which is prohibited under professional ethics standards.

In Envision ethics, stewardship of natural resources means that professionals should:

Answer: Promote responsible use and conservation of resources beyond minimum legal requirements

Stewardship as an ethical principle goes beyond legal compliance to actively promote conservation and responsible use of natural systems.

A project team asks an Envision SP to omit negative environmental data from the project's sustainability report to improve its public image. The SP should:

Answer: Refuse to omit the data and explain that selective reporting violates professional ethics

Selective omission of unfavorable data is a form of misrepresentation that violates the fundamental professional duty of honesty.

Why is community engagement considered an ethical responsibility in Envision sustainability practice?

Answer: Affected communities have a right to participate in decisions that impact their environment and quality of life

Community engagement is an ethical right-based obligation rooted in principles of self-determination and environmental justice, not merely a procedural or legal requirement.

An Envision SP receives a gift from a supplier who hopes to be selected for a sustainable materials contract. The professional should:

Answer: Decline the gift to avoid any appearance of bias in the selection process

Declining gifts from vendors in a procurement context is the clearest way to prevent real or perceived conflicts of interest that could compromise impartiality.