Engineering in a Changing Climate: Navigating the Standard of Care

June 25, 2025 | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM ET

As climate impacts grow more severe and unpredictable, engineers face rising expectations—and legal exposure—to design for a broader range of conditions. A new statement from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) offers guidance on how the Standard of Care (SOC) is evolving in this context.

This session will examine what these changes mean for MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) engineers in particular, who are increasingly responsible for systems critical to building resilience—HVAC, electrical infrastructure, water management, and air quality.

We’ll explore the shifting risk landscape, what courts and insurers are signaling, and how engineers can manage uncertainty without stalling progress.

Key Takeaways

• Awareness of extreme weather trends and projections for worsening climate-related conditions
• Insights into industry response and anticipating/preparing for projected worsening conditions
• Understand how the Standard of Care is evolving in response to climate risks—and what that means for MEP engineers.
• Learn from ACEC’s latest guidance on resilience and professional responsibility.
• Examine who bears the risk—and cost—for designing beyond code in a changing environment.
• Get practical guidance for navigating scope, schedule, and budget pressures while maintaining defensible practice.

Speakers

Joe Barbagallo, PE

President of Consulting at Woodard & Curran

Yvonne Castillo

Director, Victor Risk Advisory

Andrew Ratzkin

General Counsel, POWER Engineers, Member of WSP

Earn 1 PDH 

FREE for all MEP Coalition Members