Overview on the Central Tenets
The Environmental Professional (EP) Code of Ethics includes several tenets which all certified and in-training members must perform under to remain a member in good standing. In addition, EP staff, volunteers, and board and committee members must also agree to abide by the same EP Code of Ethics.
1.1 Environmental Stewardship
Environmental Professionals uphold the duty to protect, steward, and promote the environment.
Environmental Professionals understand the value of environmental efficiency and sustainability, determine the benefits and costs of additional environmental stewardship, and continue to implement sustainable solutions.
1.2 Environmental Advocacy
Environmental Professionals recognize the importance of protecting the public and the natural world and work to influence the social, economic, and cultural segments to bring positive change.
Environmental Professionals empower communities around them, enhancing the dignity and reputation of both the profession and the designation, as well as respect the welfare, health, and safety of all persons and the environment through competency, honesty, and transparency.
1.3 Professional Responsibility
Environmental Professionals recognize they need the public’s trust for their decisions to be impactful, respected and sought out. They adhere to ethical guidelines, understand rules of conduct, and uphold the standard of practice.
The environmental sector is growing, and the Environmental Professional adapts and grows along with it. Environmental Professionals maintain accountability, understand their responsibility, work within the rules and regulations, and always conduct themselves to the maximum of their expertise.
1.4 Ethical and Moral Standards
Environmental Professionals are bound to an ethical code where objectivity can be ensured, where they conduct themselves with full integrity and serve in the interest of the public’s health and safety, and the environment.
Environmental Professionals have a duty to act as advocates for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
1.5 Confidentiality
Environmental Professionals hold in strict confidence, except as required by law, all information they acquire during their professional relationships and do not use this information for personal gain.
Environmental Professionals safeguard confidential information and understand and respect contractual obligations.
EP Examination
Whatever area of the environment you specialize in, environmental core knowledge and ethics is an important component and touches every type of project or activity. As such we’ve developed an exam that all EP applicants must pass in order to become certified (this exam excludes EPts; EP Auditors have their own examination process).
The EP Core Knowledge and EP Core Knowledge and Ethics Exam includes multiple choice, multiple response, and true/false questions with focus on core knowledge and ethics. The EP Body of Knowledge Book and included EP Guidelines For Ethical Practice is used as a study guide and will be provided to the applicants along with details as to the exam administration process.
EPts will be educated on the important components as part of their training framework. Upon entering Year 5 of their training, a core knowledge and ethics module will be required for completion and preparation to take the EP Core Knowledge and Ethics Exam when ready.
Overview on the Code of Conduct – Complaints Procedure
Along with the EP Guidelines for Ethical Practice ECO Canada has updated the Code of Conduct – Complaints Procedure to offer clarification to the EP community and the public on what the appropriate steps are if they feel that an EP has not conducted themselves according the EP Code of Ethics.
1.1 Policy Purpose and Principles
ECO Canada endeavors to handle complaints against certified persons in a constructive, impartial and timely manner, wherein all parties are treated fairly and equitably.
1.2 Interpretations
Understanding the information collected and the deliverables, the process and the parties involved.
1.3 Filing a Complaint
Along with the Guidelines for Ethical Practice, ECO Canada has updated the EP Code of Conduct – Complaints Procedure to offer clarification to the EP community and the public on what the appropriate steps are if they feel an EP has not conducted themselves according to the EP Code of Ethics.
1.4 Preliminary Review of the Complaint
Acknowledgement of the complaint, gathering & verifying the necessary information corresponding with the complaint.
1.5 The Investigating Panel
A group of three or more members that are selected from the ECO Canada Roster who have met all the eligibility requirements will make up the investigating panel review the complaint.
1.6 Investigation Proceedings
The steps involved in processing the complaint and the timelines they need to adhere to to determine an outcome.
1.7 Evaluation of Complaint
Evaluating the complaint, determining if Subject member has not adhered to the code of ethics based solely on the evidence collected by the investigating panel and providing recommendations of the sanctions.
1.8 Review of the Proceedings
The Subject member will have the right to review the proceedings for procedural error. the EDSC and the approvals board will review the procedures within a set deadline to ensure no errors were made.
1.9 Enforcement
The approvals board has a set of sanctions they may impose according to the EDSC’s Judgement Document and recommendations.
