Environmental, Health and Safety Report 2003 / 04

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Verification Statement

[Photo: MEMCL logo]

Scope

Maunsell Environmental Management Consultants Ltd (MEMCL) was commissioned by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) to verify the contents of the Environmental, Health and Safety Report 2003 / 04 (the EHS Report), which documents the yearly performance for the EHS aspects of its operations.

Approach

This Verification Statement represents our independent findings and opinion based on systematic verification procedures. During the verification process, MEMCL reviewed an advanced draft of the EHS Report and conducted interviews with the HA representatives to:

	Verify the adequacy of coverage of the EHS Report at addressing issues relevant to the HA's environmental, health and safety performance;
	Check the reliability of information collection and analysis mechanisms and data sources used for preparation of the EHS Report;
	Check and verify the accuracy and consistency of data and claims presented in the EHS Report; and
	Identify any relevant areas where the reporting process could be improved in future reports.

Findings and Opinions

Check on Completeness
The EHS Report is considered to be a well-structured and well-balanced document that provides broad and comprehensive content on recent initiatives, progress, performance and management of all the HA's operations and activities concerning environmental protection and health and safety enhancement measures. The content is given further clarity by effective graphics and layout. We note that this is the HA's first EHS report. This expansion in reporting to combine health and safety with environmental reporting is commended as a useful progression in engaging stakeholders on these matters. The commitments and strategies and support of top management on EHS issues in line with principles of sustainability, have reinforced the HA's position as an environmentally and socially responsible organization.

Check on Accuracy and Reliability
MEMCL is satisfied that the data and information presented in the report are consistent with the materials reviewed and thus provide an accurate account of the HA's performance on meeting its stated targets and explanation of initiatives undertaken in the reporting year. The data collection system, which collated information from a variety of sources within the Housing Department, and the methods of analysis and interpretation were also judged to be appropriate and reliable and therefore give support to the claims and information presented.

Recommendations for Future Reports
In moving towards enhanced sustainability in its operations, we recommend the HA to consider enhancing reports where possible, to provide content on social programmes provided in partnership with other Government departments or agencies that also aim to enhance the well-being of tenants, as appropriate. To consolidate gains towards sustainability reporting, we encourage the HA to consider the benefits of conforming to international practices such as the Global Reporting Initiative's Sustainability Reporting Guidelines in medium-term plans for future reporting.

[Image: Signature of Dr TJ CRAMP]

Dr TJ CRAMP

Executive Director, Maunsell Environmental Management Limited

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