Approved by the Engineering Practice Policy Committee on March 23, 2023
Approved by the Policy and Practice Review Committee on April 19, 2023
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 22, 2023
Policy
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is committed to zero tolerance of bribery, fraud, and corruption in all its forms in engineering and construction. ASCE further supports the global effort to stem corruption in the procurement and execution of engineering services and construction projects. ASCE openly seeks cooperation with others to empower individual engineers in the fight against global corruption through education, awareness, and the adoption and enforcement of the ASCE Code of Ethics.
Issue
The estimated annual expenditure worldwide on construction in 2023 is $13.8 trillion (USD). The 2022 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of Transparency International, a global coalition against corruption, shows that most countries are failing to stop corruption. The review indicates that 155 countries out of 180 have made no significant progress against corruption or have declined since 2012. “Partnering Against Corruption Initiative” (PACI) estimates corruption costs the world economy 5% of GDP, or $3.6 trillion annually, and the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) estimated the global cost of corruption at up to $4 trillion per year.
Fighting bribery, fraud, and corruption can facilitate proper use of assets thus mitigating poverty, disease, and famine.
Rationale
Transparency International cites construction as one of the most corrupt industries worldwide, and the world community has responded with a number of anti-corruption initiatives. Some examples include The World Bank Group that has identified corruption as among the greatest obstacles to economic and social development and has developed a set of legal tools to prevent and combat bribery, fraud, and corruption collectively known as the ‘Sanctions Regime.’ Large engineering and construction companies in the World Economic Forum are signatories to the Partnership Against Corruption Initiative. The FIDIC stresses integrity in its firms' businesses. Engineering societies and their individual members are active participants in a global, united, and sustained effort to fight corruption.
This policy has worldwide application
ASCE Policy Statement 510
First Approved in 2005