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Drainage Services Department

Sustainability Report 2013-14

GRI Content Index

GRI Content Index

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General Standard Disclosures
General Standard Disclosures Cross-reference/Comments External Assurance
Strategy and Analysis
G4-1 Statement from the most senior decision-maker of the organisation Chapter 1 - Director's Statement
G4-2 Description of key impacts, risks, and opportunities Chapter 1 - Director's Statement
Organisational Profile
G4-3 Name of the organisation Chapter 2 - About the Report
G4-4 Primary brands, products and services Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
Chapter 5 - Our Core Responsibilities
G4-5 Location of organisation's headquarters Hong Kong, 43/F Revenue Tower, Wanchai.
G4-6 Number of countries where the organisation operates Hong Kong only
G4-7 Nature of ownership and legal form Part of the Hong Kong SAR Government
G4-8 Markets served Chapter 5 - Our Core Responsibilities
G4-9 Scale of the organisation Chapter 5 - Our Core Responsibilities
Chapter 9 - Operation Efficiency
Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
G4-10 Number of Employees Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
G4-11 Percentage of employees covered by collective bargaining agreements Nil
G4-12 Organisation's supply chain Chapter 8 - Working with Supply Chain
G4-13 Significant changes during the reporting period regarding size, structure, ownership or organisation's supply chain No significant changes
G4-14 Explanation of whether and how the precautionary approach or principle is addressed by the organisation Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-15 Externally developed economic, environmental, and social charters, principles, or other initiatives to which the organisation subscribes or endorses Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-16 Memberships in associations and/or national/international advocacy organisations Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
Identified Material Aspects and Boundaries
G4-17 Entities included in the organisation's consolidated financial statements or equivalent documents Chapter 2 - About the Report
G4-18 Process for defining report content and the aspect boundaries Chapter 2 - About the Report
G4-19 Material aspects identified in the process for defining report content Chapter 2 - About the Report
G4-20 Aspect boundary within the organisation for each material aspect Chapter 2 - About the Report
G4-21 Aspect boundary outside the organisation for each material aspect Chapter 2 - About the Report
G4-22 Explanation of the effect of any re-statements of information provided in earlier reports, and the reasons for such re-statement Total energy consumption equivalent to electricity consumption in 2012-13 is 864,000 GJ. It was due to revision of calculation methodology. The re-statement causes no direct effect.
G4-23 Significant changes from previous reporting periods in the scope and boundary Chapter 2 - About the Report
Stakeholder Engagement
G4-24 List of stakeholder groups engaged by the organisation Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-25 Basis for identification and selection of stakeholders with whom to engage We have identified groups of stakeholder who have direct and/or indirect interests on DSD’s development during the stakeholder engagement exercises.
G4-26 Approaches to stakeholder engagement, including frequency of engagement by type and by stakeholder group Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
Chapter 7 - Stakeholder Engagement Activities
G4-27 Key topics and concerns that have been raised through stakeholder engagement, and how the organisation has responded to those key topics and concerns, including through its reporting Chapter 2 - About the Report
Report Profile
G4-28 Reporting period Chapter 2 - About the Report
G4-29 Date of most recent previous report Chapter 2 - About the Report
G4-30 Reporting cycle Chapter 2 - About the Report
G4-31 Contact point for questions regarding the report or its contents Feedback Form
G4-32 GRI Content Index, the 'in accordance' option the organisation has chosen and the reference to the External Assurance Report if any Appendix 2 - GRI Context Index
G4-33 Policy and current practice with regard to seeking external assurance for the report Chapter 2 - About the Report
Verification Statement
Governance
G4-34 Governance structure of the organisation Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-35 Process for delegating authority for economic, environmental and social topics from the highest governance body to senior executives and other employees Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-36 Report whether the organisation has appointed an executive-level position or positions with responsibility for economic, environmental and social topics, and whether post holders report directly to the highest governance body Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-37 Processes for consultation between stakeholders and the highest governance body on economic, environmental and social topics Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-38 Composition of the highest governance body and its committees Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-39 Report whether the Chair of the highest governance body is also an executive officer Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
Secretary for Development is the highest governance body for DSD but he/she is not the executive officer.
G4-40 Nomination and selection processes for the highest governance body and its committees, and the criteria used for nominating and selecting highest governance body members Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
All senior officers in the DSD (at D2 rank and above) are permanent Hong Kong residents.
They are civil servants and their appointment and promotion are to be advised by the independent Public Service Commission in accordance with the Public Service Commission Ordinance.
G4-41 Processes for the highest governance body to ensure conflicts of interest are avoided and managed Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
No specific processes for the highest government body. All government departments follow internal guidelines.
G4-42 The highest governance body’s and senior executives’ roles in the development, approval, and updating of the organisation’s purpose, value or mission statements, strategies, policies, and goals related to economic, environmental and social impacts Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-43 Measures taken to develop and enhance the highest governance body’s collective knowledge of economic, environmental and social topics Mr. Tsui Wai, the then Deputy Director of Drainage Services, who is also the Chairman of our Department’s Green Committee, attended a 1-day training which focused on sustainability issues and GRI Reporting. Apart from Ms. Tsui, another 25 staff also attended the training.
G4-44 Processes for evaluation of the highest governance body’s performance with respect to governance of economic, environmental and social topics Audit Commission and the Legislative Council act as the evaluation framework for general performance of Government, including Development Bureau.
G4-45 The highest governance body’s role in the identification and management of economic, environmental and social impacts, risks, and opportunities Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-46 The highest governance body's role in reviewing the effectiveness of the organisation's risk management processes for economic, environmental and social topics Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-47 Frequency of the highest governance body’s review of economic, environmental and social impacts, risks, and opportunities Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-48 The highest committee or position that formally reviews and approves the organisation’s sustainability report and ensures that all material Aspects are covered Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-49 Process for communicating critical concerns to the highest governance body Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-50 Nature and total number of critical concerns that were communicated to the highest governance body and the mechanism(s) used to address and resolve them Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-51 Remuneration policies for the highest governance body and senior executives for the below types of remuneration All DSD staff are remunerated on the pay scales of their respective grades and ranks, which are set out by the Civil Service Bureau. Pay scales for different ranks in a grade are expressed as a range of points on the respective pay scales.
G4-52 Process for determining remuneration We follow the procedures and guidelines set out by the Civil Service Bureau. Subject to satisfactory performance, including conduct, diligence and efficiency, officers normally advance one increment a year within their respective rank scales until they reach the maximum point of the scales. Upon promotion, our staff will advance to the pay scale of the rank they have been promoted to. Civil service pay scales are subject to adjustments under pay adjustment exercises.
G4-53 Report how stakeholders’ views are sought and taken into account regarding remuneration The Civil Service Bureau adopts an Improved Civil Service Pay Adjustment Mechanism which comprises periodic pay level surveys (PLSs) to compare civil service pay levels with those in the private sector.
G4-54 Ratio of the annual total compensation for the organisation’s highest-paid individual in each country of significant operations to the median annual total compensation for all employees (excluding the highest-paid individual) in the same country No mechanism to capture annual total compensation for the organisation’s highest-paid individual in each country of significant operations and the median annual total compensation for all employees (excluding the highest-paid individual) in the same country in 2013/14.
G4-55 Ratio of percentage increase in annual total compensation for the organisation’s highest-paid individual in each country of significant operations to the median percentage increase in annual total compensation for all employees (excluding the highest-paid individual) in the same country 1:1.54
Ethics and Integrity
G4-56 Organisation's values, principles, standards and norms of behaviour Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
G4-57 Internal and external mechanisms for seeking advice on ethical and lawful behaviour, and matters related to organisational integrity, such as helplines or advice lines Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
Our staff can seek advice on ethical and lawful behaviour by referring to relevant guidelines issued by Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau & DSD Adminitration Circulars, and can solicit advice from the management and subsequently to relevant authority.
G4-58 Internal and external mechanisms for reporting concerns about unethical or unlawful behaviour, and matters related to organisational integrity, such as escalation through line management, whistleblowing mechanisms or hotlines Our staff can report such behaviour and matters related to organisational integrity to the DSD management and subsequently to relevant authority.
Specific Standard Disclosures
Material Aspects DMA and Indicators Cross-reference/Comments External Assurance
Economic Performance DMA Chapter 9 - Operation Efficiency
Economic Performance G4-EC1 Direct economic value generated and distributed Chapter 9 - Operation Efficiency
Economic Performance G4-EC2 Financial implications and other risks and opportunities for the organisation's activities due to climate change No mechanism to separately capture total environmental expenditure in 2013/14
Economic Performance G4-EC3 Coverage of the organisation's defined benefit plan obligations On retirement, our staff is eligible for retirement benefits as stipulated in the pensions legislation or specified in his terms of appointment. Details of the retirement plan can be found in the Civil Service Bureau's website.
Economic Performance G4-EC4 Significant financial assistance received from government Chapter 9 - Operation Efficiency
Indirect Economic Impacts DMA Chapter 3 - The Year's Highlights
Chapter 5 - Our Core Responsibilities
Indirect Economic Impacts G4 EC7 Development and impact of infrastructure investments and services supported Our operations do not involve with infrastructure investments.
Indirect Economic Impacts G4 EC8 Significant indirect economic impacts, including the extent of impacts Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
Procurement Practices DMA Chapter 8 - Working with Supply Chain
Procurement Practices G4 EC9 Proportion of spending on local suppliers at significant locations of operation 98.8% of the purchase for goods of DSD were awarded to local contractors in 2013/14. "Local" defined as companies registered in Hong Kong.
Materials DMA Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
Chapter 6 - Managing the Environment
Chapter 11 - Meeting the Targets
Materials G4-EN1 Materials used by weight or volume Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
Materials G4-EN2 Percentage of materials used that are recycled input materials Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
Energy DMA Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
Chapter 6 - Managing the Environment
Chapter 11 - Meeting the Targets
Energy G4-EN3 Energy consumption within the organisation Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
Energy G4-EN4 Energy consumption outside of the organisation Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
Energy G4-EN5 Energy intensity Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
Energy G4-EN6 Reduction of energy consumption Chapter 6 - Managing the Environment
Chapter 11 - Meeting the Targets
Energy G4-EN7 Reductions in energy requirements of products and services Chapter 6 - Managing the Environment
Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
Water DMA Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
Chapter 6 - Managing the Environment
Chapter 11 - Meeting the Targets
Water G4-EN8 Total water withdrawal by source Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
Water G4-EN9 Water sources significantly affected by withdrawal of water No significant impact
Water G4-EN10 Percentage and total volume of water recycled and reused Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
Biodiversity DMA Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
Chapter 6 - Managing the Environment
Chapter 11 - Meeting the Targets
Biodiversity G4-EN11 Operational sites owned, leased, managed in, or adjacent to, protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value outside protected areas Chapter 6 - Managing the Environment
DSD is committed to environmental protection. We assess the environmental implication for all our capital projects during the planning and design stages in order to fulfill the requirements of Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance andminimise the impacts to the nature. No mechanism is in place to measure the size of operation sites.
Biodiversity G4-EN12 Description of significant impacts of activities, products, and services on biodiversity in protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value outside protected areas
Biodiversity G4-EN13 Habitats protected or restored
Biodiversity G4-EN14 Total number of IUCN Red List species and national conservation list species with habitats in areas affected by operations, by level of extinction risk
Emissions DMA Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
Chapter 6 - Managing the Environment
Chapter 11 - Meeting the Targets
Emissions G4-EN15 Direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emission (Scope 1) Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
Emissions G4-EN16 Energy indirect GHG emissions (Scope 2) Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
Emissions G4-EN17 Other indirect GHG emissions (Scope 3) Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
Emissions G4-EN18 GHG emissions intensity Chapter 6 - Managing the Environment
Emissions G4-EN19 Reduction of GHG emissions Chapter 6 - Managing the Environment
Emissions G4-EN20 Emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) Use of materials with ozone-depleting substances has been avoided in our offices. Considering all our refrigerants and fire extinguishing agents used during replacement are environmentally friendly models and comply with the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance, as well as the insignificant consumption amount, we will not report our ozone depleting substances consumption value.
Emissions G4-EN21 NOx, SOx, and other significant air emissions No measurement mechanism is in place as our department does not generate significant NOx, SOx and other significant air emissions.
Effluents and Waste DMA Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
Chapter 6 - Managing the Environment
Chapter 11 - Meeting the Targets
Effluents and Waste G4-EN22 Total water discharge by quality and destination Chapter 5 - Our Core Responsibilities
Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
Under the HKSAR Law, all discharged water is collected by the public sewage system to treatment plants before discharging into the sea. The quantity of water discharged in our office (no other water source discharges through our drains) is equal to the amount of fresh water consumed.
By means of different types of treatment processes and advances technologies, most of the pollutants, toxic materials and bacteria inside the sewage will be removed to a level meeting the environment standards before discharge.
Effluents and Waste G4-EN23 Total weight of waste by type and disposal method Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
Effluents and Waste G4-EN24 Total number and volume of significant spills In 2013/14, a total of 11 significant sewage spills were reported and the total volume of sewage spill was 24,489 cubic metres (smaller than 0.01 per cent of our annual sewage treated).
Corrective actions were taken immediately without causing any significant environmental impacts.
Effluents and Waste G4-EN25 Weight of transported, imported, exported, or treated waste deemed hazardous under the terms of the Basel Convention Annex I, II, III, and VIII, and percentage of transported waste shipped internationally We do not transport, import, exported, or treat waste deemed hazardous under the terms of the Basel Convention Annex I, II, III, and VIII.
Effluents and Waste G4-EN26 Identity, size, protected status, and biodiversity value of water bodies and related habitats significantly affected by the organisation’s discharges of water and runoff No significant impact
Transport DMA Chapter 4 - Governance Approach
Chapter 6 - Managing the Environment
Transport G4-EN30 Significant environmental impacts of transporting products and other goods and materials for the organisation’s operations, and transporting members of the workforce Chapter 6 - Managing the Environment
Occupational Health and Safety DMA Chapter 8 - Working with Supply Chain
Chapter 10 - Caring Our Staff
Chapter 11 - Meeting the Targets
Occupational Health and Safety G4-LA5 Percentage of total workforce represented in formal joint management–worker health and safety committees that help monitor and advise on occupational health and safety programs 1.62%
Occupational Health and Safety G4-LA6 Type of injury and rates of injury, occupational diseases, lost days, and absenteeism, and total number of work-related fatalities, by region and by gender Appendix 1 - Key Statistics and Data
Occupational Health and Safety G4-LA7 Workers with high incidence or high risk of diseases related to their occupation There is no apparent occupational disease identified, including those in-house staff working at sewage treatment plants and pumping stations.
Occupational Health and Safety G4-LA8 Health and safety topics covered in formal agreements with trade unions Nil
Product and Service Labelling DMA Chapter 6 - Managing the Environment
Product and Service Labelling G4-PR3 Type of product and service information required by the organisation’s procedures for product and service information and labeling, and percentage of significant products and service categories subject to such information requirements Chapter 5 - Our Core Responsibilities
Chapter 6 - Managing the Environment
Committed to provide world-class sewage treatment services, we have set a series of strict quality objectives to monitor our performance.
In addition, DSD's capital projects are subjected to assessment with Building Environmental Assessment Method (BEAM).
Product and Service Labelling G4-PR4 Total number of incidents of non-compliance with regulations and voluntary codes concerning product and service information and labeling, by type of outcomes No incidents of non-compliance with regulations and voluntary codes were recorded concerning this aspect.
Product and Service Labelling G4-PR5 Results of surveys measuring customer satisfaction Chapter 11 - Meeting the Targets
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