Globally responsible engineering

Globally Responsible Engineering explores the ethical obligations of engineers in addressing societal and environmental challenges, advocating for a transformative shift in the profession. With over 5.7 million engineers in the UK alone, the sector lacks consistent clarity on its commitment to people and the planet, despite existing codes of conduct like the UK’s Statement of Ethical Principles. This paper proposes four key principles—Responsible, Purposeful, Inclusive, and Regenerative—to guide engineering practices toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. These principles emphasize meeting global needs within planetary limits, considering lifecycle impacts, ensuring diverse stakeholder inclusion, and regenerating ecological systems. Through participatory and co-design approaches, the study highlights benefit such as enhanced innovation, reduced costs, and sustainable outcomes, while acknowledging challenges like time and complexity. The paper also draws on Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics model to advocate for a balanced approach that supports social foundations without exceeding planetary boundaries. Case studies, including prison design controversies and the American Institute of Architects’ 2020 ethics update, illustrate the ethical dilemmas engineers face. By embedding these principles into education and practice, engineering can accelerate solutions to climate emergencies, biodiversity loss, and inequality, fostering a safer, more just world