Verification Statement
Scope of Verification
Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA) has been engaged by Drainage Services Department (DSD) to undertake an independent verification for its Sustainability Report 2016-2017 (Refer to as “The Report”) which was prepared in accordance with the Core Option of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Standards (“the GRI Standards”). The scope of HKQAA's verification covers the data and information associating with DSD’s sustainability performance for the period 1st April 2016 to 31st March 2017. The Report states DSD's commitments, efforts and progress of performance towards sustainability.
Level of Assurance and Methodology
The process applied in this verification was based on international standard. Our evidence gathering process was designed to obtain a reasonable level of assurance as set out in the standard for the purpose of devising the verification conclusion and the extent of this verification process undertaken was provided for the core aspects of the GRI Standards.
In order to understand the process that DSD adopted to ascertain the key sustainability issues and impacts, the Report compilation process was discussed including stakeholder engagement and materiality assessment processes. Also, system and process for collecting, collating and reporting sustainability performance data were verified. Our verification procedure performed covered reviewing of relevant documentation, interviewing responsible personnel with accountability for preparing the reporting contents and verifying the selected representative sample of data and information. Raw data and supporting evidence of the selected samples were also thoroughly examined during the verification process.
Independence
DSD is responsible for the collection and presentation of the information presented. HKQAA does not involve in calculating, compiling, or development of the Report. Our verification activities are independent from DSD.
Conclusion
On the basis of our verification results and in accordance with the verification procedures undertaken, it is the opinion of the HKQAA's verification team that:
- The material topics and its sustainability performance specified in the GRI Standards have been adequately addressed in the Report; and
- The Report illustrates DSD’s sustainability performance on the significant aspects in a balance, comparable, clear and timely manner; and
- The data and information stated in the Report are reliable and complete.
DSD has been engaging with its stakeholders continuously and being very responsive to the feedback gathered from the stakeholder engagement process by improving its disclosure regarding the material issues that are of importance to the department and of high level interest by stakeholders. The Report reflects appropriately DSD’s sustainability context and materiality.
Signed on behalf of Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency
Jorine Tam
Director, Corporate Business
January 2018
