Our Principles and Practices

Code of Ethics

Green Building/Sustainable Services

A Guide for Our Actions, Decisions, and Business

For decades, Exponent staff have followed a "Code of Business Conduct and Guidelines for Professional Ethics." And the work of our diverse staff is governed by a range of professional organizations and codes.

Code of Science and Engineering Ethics

Our values reflect our highest priorities and deepest held beliefs. Our code of conduct supports these values, complements profession-specific codes, and helps guide the decisions we make.

Pursue the Truth

Each of us entered our professions and joined Exponent to pursue the truth. In that pursuit, we always endeavor to:

  • Act with rigor, skill, and care in all engineering and scientific work 

  • Base findings on data, evidence, and observations, not preconceived notions,, expectations, or biases 

  • Follow the research, the evidence, and the data where it leads  

  • Actively challenge untruths and value negative results ethically 

  • Help create a research environment that values and prioritizes facts, accuracy, honesty, respect, and transparency 

Maximize Individual and Public Good

In our efforts to maximize individual and public good, we can never lose sight of our responsibility to outcomes that maximize benefits and minimize collateral effects.

  • Prioritize respect for life, laws, and public welfare  

  • Minimize harm to people, animals, society, and the environment 

  • Incorporate ethical design and sustainable development practices in our processes, systems, and services 

  • Avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest, and disclose conflicts to affected parties when they do exist 

Mentor, Learn, Contribute

Knowledge and the principles of science are conveyed to new generations through example, discussion, and both formal and informal education. We take this responsibility seriously, and endeavor to:

  • Foster an environment of trust and respect for every partner in the research process, irrespective of role or experience

  • Encourage, accept, and offer honest criticism of scientific and technical work

  • Improve general understanding of the capabilities and societal implications of emerging science and technology

  • Participate in the growth of societies that support our engineering and scientific disciplines.

  • Continue to develop and maintain up-to-date skills and promote and support the development in others.

  • Seek opportunities to share experience and knowledge through publication, teaching, speaking, and volunteering.

Be Accountable

Guidelines or codes of conduct can only supplement the individual analysis, interpretation, judgement, and care we each bring to our work. Recognizing our own individual responsibilities, we always strive to:

  • Uphold the highest standards of integrity, responsible behavior, and ethical conduct in professional activities  

  • Never knowingly mislead, or allow others to be misled, about scientific matters 

  • Raise concerns when safety, quality, or integrity are in question