Assessment of Ethics Context

Context

The possible global impact of updating a single HVAC and energy system inside of a dormitory in Oklahoma is quite insignificant. However, if we could spread our findings across the globe for other energy companies to implement, the global impact would be tremendous. There are billions of buildings that cover the earth that all draw energy to maintain daily operations. If they updated these systems to align with our Energy Efficiency system, the Global impact would be tremendous. The carbon footprint would be decreased substantially along with the building and maintenance materials due to the increased longevity of the system. The Energy Efficiency system also uses much less energy to operate, so over a global scale, terawatts of power would be saved. This allows for the energy to be placed elsewhere, and saves billions of dollars across the globe.

From an economic standpoint, Mitsubishi would stand to gain a large amount of money from the Energy Efficiency system. If the system creates a much more efficient building, then companies will want to implement it in their buildings to cut costs and save energy. Mitsubishi already owns the HVAC components of the system, which create the largest decrease in energy consumption for our system. The need for these Mitsubishi products will increase their sales and increase product revenue and popularity.

The environmental Impact from Energy Efficiency will also be a very positive aspect. As stated before, the system decreases the carbon footprint of buildings. The Mitsubishi products produce less emissions, last longer, therefore using less material and require less maintenance. This means less money is spent on labor and replacement parts. This system also consumes less energy, which means that less fossil fuels will have to be consumed or that less nuclear waste will be created for it to operate.

This system will have a positive effect on society because being environmentally friendly is the way of the future and the optimization of HVAC systems is a rapidly growing industry. In addition, the system will save customers money in the long run due to the low long-term cost associated with these modern systems.

While the Energy Efficiency system creates a positive global impact, increases revenue for Mitsubishi, and has a positive impact on the environment and society; it does not mean that it is for every business. This is due in part to the higher upfront cost of the system. It uses state of the art HVAC components, modern low-energy lights, and above-average insulation. These products along with the cost of experienced contractors handling installation is much more expensive than just rebuilding the current, inefficient system. With that said, the Energy Efficiency system will end up saving much more than the upfront cost. If a company can afford the upfront cost to install it, they will save large amounts of money in the long run. Not to mention, they will be leaving a positive impact on the planet, and society as a whole.

Ethics

While working on a mechanical engineering project, we are bound by the ASME code of ethics. Due to that project being a part of the Mitsubishi Cooperation, we are also bound by their code of ethics as well. During the entirety of the project, we are following these codes that are attached in the files below.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporate Code of Conduct

Associated Society of Mechanical Engineers Code of Ethics

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