This article explores the ethical challenges faced by construction engineers in balancing legal compliance with sustainable practices. It emphasizes the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development in an industry that significantly impacts both the environment and society. The article examines how construction professionals navigate moral dilemmas when deciding between immediate economic returns and long-term environmental and social welfare. Through ethical frameworks such as utilitarianism, rights-based approaches, and the common good, the article argues for a greater emphasis on sustainability in construction, despite the financial and organizational barriers that hinder its widespread adoption. A case study of the Hyatt Regency walkway collapse is discussed to highlight the catastrophic consequences of neglecting ethical standards. Ultimately, the article advocates for stronger ethical guidelines and leadership to promote sustainability and social responsibility in the construction industry.
View More Bridging the Gap Between Profit and Responsibility: Ethics in Construction Engineering