Verification Statement

Scope and Objectives

Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) was commissioned by Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) to verify the Department's Sustainability Report 2006 (hereinafter the “Report”) which covers ArchSD's economic, environmental and social performance (hereinafter “ArchSD's performance”) during the calendar year of 2005. The objectives of HKPC's verification work are to:

• Assess whether the Report covers all relevant issues in relation to ArchSD's performance;
• Assess whether the selected statements and data presented in the Report are accurate;
• Assess whether the data collection and information management systems used to prepare the Report are reliable; and
• Provide recommendations for future reports.

Approach

Our verification procedures comprised a review of the Report, selection of a representative sample of statements and data and interviews with representatives from ArchSD. During the interviews, the documented supporting materials relating to the selected statements and data as well as ArchSD's management practices and sustainability initiatives were explained to and examined by our verifiers who were not involved in the development of the Report.

Results

Report Completeness

The Report presents a balanced and comprehensive overview of ArchSD's performance with respect to its core roles, responsibilities and activities. The Report presents extensive information to communicate ArchSD's commitments in achieving its economic, environmental and social objectives and targets. The Report also includes a number of case studies presenting how ArchSD addresses sustainability issues in practices.

Report Accuracy and Reliability

The selected statements and data examined during the verification process, with minor revisions for clarification purpose that were subsequently amended to HKPC's satisfaction, reflect an accurate account of ArchSD's performance. The data collection and information management systems used are generally considered to be effective and reliable.

Recommendations for Future Reports

ArchSD is commended for continually improving and reporting its performance with reference to the latest Global Reporting Initiative guidelines. We further encourage ArchSD to consider the following in the preparation of its future reports:

• To continue involving stakeholders in the reporting process in order to understand better the stakeholders' major information needs. In responding to their information needs where appropriate, information included in the reports will be more selective and hence the reports be more focused. A summary of stakeholders' views collected and how ArchSD addresses them will add further values to the quality of reports;
• To further enhance the readability by providing reference materials and using real life examples where appropriate in presenting and elaborating technical and numerical information; and
• To provide a linkage between ArchSD's activities and initiatives in pursuing sustainable development and subsequently how its performance contributes to the sustainable development of Hong Kong .

K L Tsang
General Manager
Environmental Management Division
Hong Kong Productivity Council