Build Robust Sustainability Governance
Embedding Sustainability
We integrate sustainable development considerations into every stage of project delivery and facet of our operations. We have established a set of policies, guidelines and system controls, striving to maintain the highest standards across our services and operations:
Policies and Guidelines
Quality, Environmental, Anti-bribery, Occupational Health and Safety Policy
Our commitment to long-term sustainability is reflected in the Quality, Environmental, Anti-bribery, Occupational Health and Safety Policy and its guidelines outlined below:
- Fulfil the agreed requirements of our clients to the highest professional standards.
- Deliver our services in an environmentally responsible manner by implementing conservation of energy, preventing pollution and reducing the consumption of natural resources to protect the environment.
- Manage to eliminate our hazards and reduce our occupational health and safety risks to ensure and provide a safe and occupational healthy environment for the prevention of work-related injury and ill health from our staff, our contractors and other people who may be affected by our work.
- Involve and, where appropriate, consult our staff, our contractors and other people who may be affected by our work, and their representatives in the improvement of our occupational health and safety performance.
- Fulfil all compliance obligations including applicable legislation and other requirements, and wherever practicable, to achieve standards beyond those that are legally required.
- Provide adequate resources and training to all staff and provide appropriate training to persons working for or on behalf of ArchSD and to continually improve our quality, environmental, anti-bribery, occupational health and safety management system to enhance performance and effectiveness.
- Promote ArchSD’s principles of quality, environmental sustainability, anti-bribery, occupational health and safety to our partners in work, the construction industry and the general public.
- Prohibit bribery, encourage raising concerns and commit to continual improvement of anti-bribery management system.
Integrated Management System
To align our services and operations with globally recognised benchmarks, the ArchSD has implemented a robust Integrated Management System (IMS) comprising aspects of quality, environmental, anti-bribery, occupational health and safety and energy management for a unified framework for operational excellence. We also refer to the ISO 26000:2010 for guidance on operating in a socially responsible way. To foster continuous improvements, we conduct annual performance reviews of the IMS to ensure ongoing compliance and improvement.
Integrated Management System (IMS) Accredited Certification
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Accredited Certification
ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Accredited Certification
ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Accredited Certification
ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health & Safety Management Accredited Certification
ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management Accredited Certification
In 2024, the ArchSD established approximately 90 annual targets for its IMS system. The table below summaries those targets linked to sustainability.
2024 Sustainability-related Targets and Achievements
| Targets | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Maintain an accident rate of less than 0.3 reportable accident per 100 000 man-hours worked in ArchSD Contracts | 0.24 |
| Arrange at least 12 external safety training courses annually for project and office staff, covering topics on the latest safety technologies, current legislations and accident investigation | 15 |
| Organise at least 4 in-house workshops on safety and health | 4 |
| 100% of completed projects receive an overall performance rating of ‘Satisfied’ or above in the Client Satisfaction Survey | 100% |
| At least 95% of new projects shall reduce the use of timber by using alternative structural solutions such as metal hoarding, system formwork, metal formwork, semi-precast flooring system, precast roofing, dry walls and other structural means such as MiC and DfMA | 100% |
| Achieve at least a 6% reduction in electricity consumption (kwh) at both the QGO and APB Centre, using 2018 as the baseline year | QGO: 23.4% APB Centre: 10.7% |
| Achieve at least a 6% reduction in paper consumption from the 2018 baseline | A4 paper: 40.7% A3 paper: 47.0% Envelope: 26.7% |
| Recycle at least 50% of annual consumption of used paper (kg) in ArchSD Offices | 86% |
Supporting the UNSDGs
The ArchSD has strategically aligned our operations and sustainability efforts with 9 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) with a view to contributing to global sustainable development through local action.
UNSDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
We integrate social considerations and people-centric design into our projects to enhance the quality of urban living. We are also committed to fostering the wellness of our employees and value chain in line with international occupational health and safety standards and best practices, as well as through regular risk assessments, safety inspections and wellness programmes.
UNSDG 5: Gender Equality
We value diversity in the workforce and provide equal opportunities for employment, talent and leadership development.
UNSDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
We integrate renewable energy technologies into all projects, design and construct energy-efficient buildings, and leverage advanced technologies in our offices to enhance energy and resource efficiency.
UNSDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
We offer training opportunities to enhance service quality, project efficiency and empower personal and professional development of our people. We also create jobs and develop quality, inclusive and sustainable buildings and facilities to support economic, social and environmental developments in Hong Kong.
UNSDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
We build climate-resilient infrastructure to support sustainable development in Hong Kong. We also foster industry innovation through robust application of innovative and high-productivity construction technologies and materials, guidelines and best practices development, insights sharing, field research, as well as cross-sectoral stakeholder collaboration.
UNSDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
We provide high-quality public buildings and facilities that prioritise safety, inclusiveness and environmental sustainability; promote social interaction among diverse populations; and participate in voluntary services to enhance community wellness. We also embrace innovative technologies and construction methods to reduce our projects’ social and environmental impacts, drive development and enrich cultural heritage.
UNSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
We reduce waste at source, promote recycling, as well as enhance project planning and collaboration through innovative construction technologies and methods. We also adopt green procurement and conduct regular audits to review our carbon footprint and operational practices to optimise resource efficiency.
UNSDG 13: Climate Action
We have established a departmental climate change sub-group and formulated the Carbon Neutrality Strategic Framework to facilitate the low-carbon transformation in Hong Kong’s built environment.
UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
We mobilise resources, advocate sustainable building design and construction, and strengthen engagement with the industry as well as the wider community for enhancing policy coherence and building a more sustainable, resilient and low-carbon future together.
