Verification Statement

Verification Objective

BMT Asia Pacific Limited was appointed to benchmark and verify the contents of ArchSD's Sustainability Report 2005. The verification intends to provide ArchSD's stakeholders with external assurance of the accuracy and completeness of information presented in the Report.

This Statement is issued based on:

• Independent third party opinion - BMT was not involved in any aspects of the preparation of Report; and
• The findings of a verification process that involved validation of a representative selection of data and claims, checking of data collection mechanisms and information management systems, assessment of the report's comprehensiveness, and identification of areas to improve ArchSD's reporting process.

Approach

A series of meetings covering data review sessions was held between 21 September and 04 October 2005 with ArchSD's divisional representatives including senior professionals. During the process, BMT reviewed, examined and checked selected claims and reported figures, relevant supporting data and documented evidence, as well as data systems. BMT also requested ArchSD to further substantiate specific claims and make necessary amendments to the Report.

Scope

The following elements of Sustainability Report 2005 were sampled during the verification:

• Implementation of ArchSD's policy, major projects under each programme area and improvement initiatives;
• ArchSD's facilitation of, and input to, government strategies and initiatives;
• Local and regional partnerships and plans for sustainable development;
• Improvements associated with the implementation of ArchSD's initiatives;
• Development and enforcement of relevant legislation;
• Contractor and supply chain management;
• Emergency preparedness and response;
• Complaints handling and response;
• Consultation and address of public concerns and feedback;
• External awareness raising campaigns, community-based programmes and training initiatives;
• Internal management; and
• Target setting, implementation and progress monitoring mechanisms.

Results and Commentary

• Data collection mechanisms and information management systems are generally efficient, organised and effective. In particular, data were systematically collected, recorded, stored and analysed in accordance with prescribed methodologies, and specific data used to support claims and compile reported figures were appropriately retrieved and interpreted;
• Reliability and efficiency of several data systems have been improved by expanded functions, strengthened archiving and the application of new information technology;
• The Report provides a balanced overview of ArchSD's performance in 2004 with respect to its roles and responsibilities within government, key programme areas and relevant projects, and significant aspects related to daily operations and services; and
• The Report presents a fair account on the partnerships formed on various levels to raise awareness, advance local trade-specific programmes, reinforce regional efforts and further sustainable development.

Recommendations for Future Reports

ArchSD is encouraged to:

• Recommend a review of the existing database used to collect information on material usage to include the various types of materials used on each project (including quantities of brick, rock, etc.) - currently not tracked

11 November 2005

Ben Ridey	Lyn Ip
Project Director & Lead Verifier, BMT Asia Pacific Limited	Project Manager, BMT Asia Pacific Limited