Report Verification

Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (“HKQAA”) was commissioned by the Architectural Services Department (hereinafter referred to as “ArchSD”) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to undertake an independent verification for the Sustainability Report 2024 (hereinafter referred to as “the Report”). The Report stated the sustainability performance of ArchSD in economic, environmental and social aspects in the period of 1^st January 2023 to 31^st December 2023.

The aim of this verification is to provide a reasonable assurance on the reliability of the report contents. The Report has been prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards 2021 (“GRI Standards”).

The process applied in this verification was based on the International Standard on Assurance Engagements 3000 (Revised), Assurance Engagements Other Than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. 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. The extent of this verification process undertaken covered the criteria set in the GRI Standards 2021.

The verification process included verifying the systems and processes implemented for collecting, collating and reporting the sustainability performance data, reviewing relevant documentation, interviewing responsible personnel with accountability for preparing the reporting contents and verifying selected representative sample of data and information. Raw data and supporting evidence of the selected samples were thoroughly examined during the verification process according to the sampling plan.

ArchSD is responsible for the collection and presentation of the information presented. HKQAA is not involved in calculating, compiling, or in the development of the Report. Our verification activities are independent from ArchSD.

Based on the verification results and in accordance with the verification procedures undertaken, HKQAA has obtained reasonable assurance and is in the opinion that:

1. The Report has been prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards;
2. The Report illustrates the sustainability performance of ArchSD, covering all material aspects, in a material, responsive, fair and balance manner; and
3. The data and information disclosed in the Report are reliable and complete.

In conclusion, the verification team confirmed that the Report was prepared based on factual statements and that the data contained within the Report are accurate. It is a fair and honest representation of initiatives, targets, progress and performance on ArchSD’s sustainable development achievements.