The HKHA made good progress on the development of the EMS and defined long-term targets and initiatives accompanied by "Key Performance Indicators" to ensure effective management and control over the environmental performance of the HKHA's activities. Purpose of the Verification The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) appointed Environmental Management Limited as an Independent Verifier to check the accuracy of the information and data provided in the HKHA Environmental Report 2000/2001 (the Report). The roles of the Independent Verifier were to carry out independent checking of the Report and to provide recommendations for future reports and continual improvement of the environmental performance of the HKHA. Approach to Verification During the verification process, the Independent Verifier reviewed and checked the relevant materials including policy statements and objectives, environmental plans, initiatives, strategies and targets, environmental performance and various elements of the Environmental Management System (EMS). The accuracy and consistency of the information and data presented in the Report were verified through checking of sources of information, procedures and data analysis. Opinion on the Report This Report presented comprehensive information on the environmental performance of the HKHA over the past year. The preparation of this Report was found to have taken account of comments received on the first annual report. A summary of comments was also included in the Report indicating that the suggestions and feedback from readers were considered by the HKHA in a serious way. The objectives and targets presented in the Report were in line with the theme of the Report "Greener Housing for the Millennium". The reporting structure was organised in a systematic manner with the environmental highlights placed at the beginning of the Report and detailed elaboration of the key items in the subsequent sections. The Report clearly presented the major environmental aspects of the HKHA's business. Photos and figures were suitably inserted in the text to provide illustrative examples to the readers enhancing their understanding of the Report. The key environmental initiatives and targets set for the past year were properly evaluated and presented in this second issue. The HKHA made good progress on the development of the EMS and defined long-term targets and initiatives accompanied by "Key Performance Indicators" to ensure effective management and control over the environmental performance of the HKHA's activities. In our opinion, the information and data presented in the Report are consistent with the materials, which were reviewed during the verification process. The Report provides a clear account of performance with respect to HKHA's business and reveals the commitment of the HKHA to improve the environmental performance and standards in its services. The environmental principles outlined in the Environmental Policy Statement have shown to be successfully incorporated and implemented in the HKHA's operation. The Report also clearly indicates that the HKHA has taken a proactive attitude to influence others through the establishment of an Environmentally Responsible Procurement Policy. An increase in environmental awareness and involvement from each of the staff members can contribute to the successful implementation of environmental protection work and minimisation of environmental impacts arising from the HKHA's activities. Recommendations for Future Reports Based on our observation during the verification process, our recommendations for the HKHA's consideration in preparing future reports include: Maintaining the logical and systematic approach in preparing the reports Avoiding repeating the same materials in the reports Increasing stakeholder involvement during preparation of future reports Indicating the sources of information and data to support the presented materials in the reports Maintaining the readers' interest in the reports Providing a linkage between the HKHA environmental performance and its contribution to sustainable development To ensure that HKHA meets stakeholders' expectations on environmental improvement work, we encourage HKHA to continue in gathering and reviewing the feedback from stakeholders and incorporating constructive suggestions in the formulation of future environmental objectives. Suggestions from the stakeholders taken up by the HKHA should be identified in future reports. Other Recommendations Exchange of experience and knowledge with other departments should improve the efficiency of implementing an EMS in the HKHA. We encourage HKHA to continue to keep up with the good progress so as to attain the full implementation of its EMS. The continual improvement of the environmental performance of the HKHA hinges on the commitment from all levels of staff. An increase in environmental awareness and involvement from each of the staff members can contribute to the successful implementation of environmental protection work and minimisation of environmental impacts arising from the HKHA's activities. A proactive approach should therefore be undertaken to promote the Environmental Information System within HKHA. This, along with the recommendations for future reports, will enhance the HKHA's ability to systematically address its environmental performance and reporting initiatives leading to the achievement of the ultimate objective of providing sustainable public housing. Back to Top 2001 Housing Authority. All rights reserved.