Compliance with this Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is central to sound environmental standards practice and the credibility of the profession, and is required for Certified Environmental Standards Professionals (CESP) at all levels.
Environmental Standards Professionals are committed to practice in accordance with this Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and accept personal accountability for professional conduct.
Certified Environmental Standards Professionals acknowledge and value the rights and interests of People in the protection and management of environmental values through their involvement in decisions and processes, and the application of traditional Indigenous knowledge.
Advocate the integrity of the cultural and natural environments, and the health, safety, values, and welfare of human communities and future generations as being central to environmental standards practice;
Advocate the protection of environmental values and the mitigation of environmental harm, using a multiple evidence base, that draws on science, Indigenous, and community knowledge;
Advocate and undertake environmental practice in accordance with principles of environmental stewardship, resilience and sustainability, with a view to achieving no net loss of environmental values and preferably a net gain, and to an appropriate standards.
Recognize the specific needs of Stakeholders, including the environment and society, and my responsibilities to them. I will make decisions and take actions that voids harm, and has a positive impact on the environment and society.
Challenge unsustainable behaviour and activity, taking action where necessary.
Communicate environmental or social concerns with regards to action or inaction when giving advice.
Inspire and support others to act sustainably and to adopt sustainable and resilient business practices.
Be innovative, drive change and challenge norms, to support the journey towards sustainability.
Recognize the limits of my own professional competence.
Only practice and offer services in functional areas and specializations in which one is appropriately qualified, experienced and competent;
Seek support and expert advice where I am required to stretch my professional competence.
Provide services at an appropriate standard as required to achieve or foster optimal environmental outcomes;
Comply with all applicable governing laws and statutory requirements, and actively discourage non-compliance by others;
Promote the involvement of stakeholders and community in decisions and processes that may impact on environmental values;
Respect the contribution of other professionals and collaborate in multi-disciplinary approaches;
Be diligent in practice, providing accurate, up-to-date, objective, impartial and unbiased advice;
Acknowledge data and information sourced from others, and be accountable for data collected, analyses performed and conclusions drawn or plans developed as part of an assignment;
Be prepared to explain work and conclusions drawn, and provide the evidence on which the work is based.
Advocate and apply high ethical standards, acting with honesty, integrity and objectivity.
Be honest and trustworthy, avoid misrepresentation or obfuscation, distinguish between fact and opinion, and state opinions which are honestly held in my professional conduct.
Avoid, manage or declare conflicts of interest that may influence or be perceived to influence my objectivity, and make all relevant parties aware when there is such a conflict.
Be accountable for my actions and decisions.
Apply my knowledge and skills to the best of my ability, even when it conflicts with the interest of employers or clients.
Communicate the reliability, accuracy and quality of data and information provided to others.
Respect obligations of confidentiality and privacy;
Be objective, seek peer review and other quality assurance of work as appropriate, and accept as well as give honest and fair criticism when required;
