Verification Statement

Scope and Objective

Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA) has been commissioned by Drainage Services Department (hereinafter called “DSD”) to conduct an independent verification of its Sustainability Report 2013 - 2014 (herein referred to as “the Report”). The Report stated DSD’s Sustainability performance and efforts towards sustainable development for the period from 1st April 2013 to 31st March 2014.

The aim of this verification was to provide assurance on the completeness and accuracy of the information stated in the Report. The Report’s coverage of the standard disclosures defined in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines was also assessed to confirm if the Comprehensive option was achieved.

Methodology

The process used in this verification was based on current best practices. The Report was reviewed against the following criteria:

The principles of completeness, accuracy, neutrality, comparability and responsiveness; and
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines.

The verification procedure included reviewing relevant documentation, interviewing responsible personnel with accountability for preparing the Report and verifying the selected representative sample of data and information consolidated in the Report. Raw data and supporting evidence of the selected samples were thoroughly examined.

Conclusion

The information presented in the Report provided a material and complete representation of the performance of DSD in the context of sustainable development. The verification team confirmed that the Report was prepared based on factual statements and that the data contained within the Report were accurate. It is a fair and honest representation of initiatives, targets, progress and performance on DSD’s sustainable development achievements.

Overall speaking, the Report provides an adequate and fair account of DSD’s sustainability performance on material aspects and demonstrates satisfactory disclosure of the Comprehensive option of the GRI’s G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines.