What Is The Triple Bottom Line And Why It Matters To Build A Sustainable Business

• The triple bottom line theory is a measure of an organization’s ultimate sustainability. The theory argues that companies must work on the three bottom lines of people, planet, and profits.
• While the TBL theory improves company resilience and brand equity, it can be difficult to quantify and thus is vulnerable to exploitation.
• Businesses can incorporate Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards to help them measure and analyze environmental and social initiatives respectively.

Triple Bottom Line (TBL) Element	Description	Implications	Examples	Applications
Economic Performance	Economic performance refers to the financial aspect of an organization’s sustainability, focusing on profitability, revenue generation, and cost management.	– Achieving financial stability and growth while considering long-term impacts. – Balancing short-term profitability with long-term financial sustainability.	– Increasing revenue through the launch of sustainable product lines. – Implementing cost-saving measures by reducing energy consumption.	– Business Sustainability Reporting: Assess and report financial performance alongside environmental and social metrics. – Investment Decisions: Evaluate the financial viability of sustainable projects and initiatives.
Environmental Stewardship	Environmental stewardship emphasizes responsible resource management, environmental conservation, and minimizing ecological impacts.	– Reducing the organization’s carbon footprint and ecological footprint. – Conserving natural resources and promoting sustainable practices.	– Adopting renewable energy sources to power operations. – Implementing waste reduction and recycling programs.	– Environmental Compliance: Ensure adherence to environmental regulations and standards. – Sustainability Initiatives: Develop strategies for eco-friendly manufacturing and production processes.
Social Responsibility	Social responsibility involves the organization’s commitment to ethical practices, social equity, and community engagement.	– Fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, employees, and the broader community. – Upholding ethical values and promoting social well-being.	– Establishing fair labor practices and equitable workplace policies. – Engaging in philanthropic activities to support local communities.	– Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Develop and execute CSR programs and initiatives. – Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with diverse stakeholders to address social concerns and promote social responsibility.
People and Employee Well-being	People and employee well-being prioritize the health, safety, and development of employees, promoting a supportive and inclusive work environment.	– Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace for employees. – Supporting employee growth, diversity, and work-life balance.	– Implementing wellness programs to improve employee health. – Offering training and development opportunities for skill enhancement.	– Workplace Health and Safety: Create and enforce policies and practices that prioritize employee well-being. – Diversity and Inclusion: Foster a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. – Employee Engagement: Promote engagement and well-being among employees through programs and initiatives.

The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) is a theory that seeks to gauge the level of corporate social responsibility in business. Instead of a single bottom line associated with profit, the TBL theory argues that there should be two more: people and the planet. By balancing people, the planet, and profit, it’s possible to build a more sustainable business model and a circular firm.

Understanding the triple bottom line

Sustainability in business is often difficult to understand. How is it measured or defined? How does a business make sustainability financially viable? 

The triple bottom line theory seeks to address these questions by making sustainability a key performance metric.

Fundamentally, the TBL theory holds businesses accountable for their actions and provides a holistic approach to doing business that is not primarily concerned with profits.

The three Ps of the TBL theory

Companies must work simultaneously on the three bottom lines of:

1 – People 

This encompasses the wide range of people that a business comes into contact with.

This includes employees, suppliers, distributors, and the wider community. 

Triple bottom line companies ensure humane working conditions and pay their staff a reasonable wage.

They also give back to the community. For example, 3M uses its scientific background to solve the world’s toughest challenges.

The company has, among other things, funded STEM education around the world to improve and empower local communities.

2 – Planet 

For businesses, the planet’s bottom line means finding ways to reduce their ecological footprint.

Broadly speaking, this means manufacturing products that are not harmful to the planet while also reducing wastage, natural resource dependence, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Apple is a clear leader in planet-driven initiatives, with over 93% of its energy coming from renewable sources.

Its large and resource-intensive data centers are also certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

3 – Profit 

Profit is the traditional measure of corporate success.

But increasingly, businesses are realizing that people and the planet do not have to compromise profitability.

Swedish furniture giant IKEA maintains profitability and sales in the billions of dollars while focusing on green initiatives.

For example, the company recycles much of its waste back into some of its bestselling products, with 98% of its home furnishing products (including packaging) derived from renewable or recyclable materials.

Advantages of the triple bottom line theory

Resilience

Businesses that adopt the TBL theory are more resilient to environmental stressors such as climate change.

Public relations

Businesses that see people and the planet as important parts of their strategy moving forward enjoy better relations with consumers.

They are likely to be seen as progressive and sustainable organizations with the best interests of society at heart.

This has positive effects on brand equity and profit generation.

Legitimacy

The TBL theory gives theories of sustainability and social responsibility more weight, especially as they are adopted by increasing numbers of influential businesses.

Disadvantages of the triple bottom line theory

Accountability

Since the TBL theory is rather vague and has no specific guidelines, businesses can preach they are using the theory without backing up their words with actions or verifiable data.

Indeed, while profit is measured in dollars, it is much more problematic to measure social capital or environmental health, for example.

Capitalist slant

In some respects, the TBL theory espouses the benefits of people and the planet if (and only if) they help increase profits.

Capitalism for the sake of the environment is still capitalism, and some posit that people and the planet should be given higher priority than making money.

Triple bottom line, GPI, and GRI

Many businesses, governments, and non-profits use the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) to measure standardized data across multiple economic, social, and environmental variables. 

The GPI is used in various contexts with the practitioner able to alter each variable to suit.

For example, the State of Maryland used a combination of TBL and GPI to analyze the impact of investing in clean energy versus maintaining the status quo or pursuing other options.

The Canadian government also used aspects of GPI to measure public wellbeing and how it affects the economy.

In terms of business sustainability, many use the following multidimensional approach:

GPI

To measure environmental variables.

Each variable is converted into a monetary unit and then summed to arrive at a dollar-denominated measure.

GRI

To measure social variables.

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is an international organization that has developed standards for measuring and reporting social impact and responsibility, among other standards.

With all of that said, let’s take a look at some of the social and environmental variables a business can analyze under the TBL theory.

Note that not all variables will apply to every business, government, or non-profit.

Environmental

Cost of water pollution

A reduction in water quality due to erosion, sedimentation, or nutrient and chemical runoff. 

Cost of air pollution

Material and vegetational damage, remediation of damage resulting from acid rain or soot, and costs associated with a reduction in visual amenity and surrounding property values.

Cost of noise pollution

In factories, noise pollution causes permanent hearing loss which must be compensated. It can also cause sleep deprivation and a loss of productivity.

Loss of wetlands

These costs relate to the services wetlands provide, such as water purification, habitat for wildlife, and protection from weather such as storm surges and subsequent flooding.

Loss of farmland and soil quality or degradation

As the result of compaction, erosion, and urbanization.

This cost is cumulative and is measured for the total number of primary production years lost.

Loss of primary forest and damage from associated infrastructure

This is also a cumulative cost that can be measured via soil quality, water quality, biodiversity loss, recreation potential, and carbon sequestration.

CO₂ emissions

The cost associated with releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, measured on a per-ton basis. 

Cost of ozone depletion

Or the cost of associated cancers, cataracts, and plant decline. 

Depletion of non-renewables

Oere, the cost is measured by calculating the cost of switching to renewable sources.

Social

Let’s now take a look at some of the variables defined by the GRI.

Remuneration

Is remuneration equal for men and women?

Management approach

This encompasses occupational health and safety, training, education, diversity, and leader-subordinate relationships.

Workforce

Segmented by employment type, contract, region, and gender.

Turnover

Or the total number and rate of new hires and employee turnover based on metrics including gender, age group, or region.

Health

This encompasses education, training, prevention, and risk-control programs that are provided to employees, families, and communities to prevent health issues.

Some firms have initiatives in place for repetitive strain injuries, stress management, and safe and secure travel.

Skills and learning

These describe initiatives that support continuous employee learning or assist in the smooth transition to retirement, such as sabbaticals, transition assistance, and financial goal setting for retirees.

Labor standards

Freedom of association, collective bargaining, and the avoidance of child or forced labor.

Communities

A broad field including data privacy, security, providing access to education opportunities, anti-competitive behavior, community impact assessment, and development programs.

Beware of Greenwashing

In a world where new generations seem interested in “sustainability,” greenwashing has become a common practice for many brands to change their public perception with deceptive marketing tactics.

The so-called six sins of greenwashing are:

• Hidden trade-offs
• No proof
• Vagueness
• Irrelevance
• Lesser of two evils
• Fibbing

When looking at the triple bottom line, it’s critical not to fall into greenwashing, so based on the attributes above, it’s possible to discern who’s really following a triple bottom line approach, vs. who’s just greenwashing.

Standards like the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) might be helpful in tracking progress.

However, those can also be easily gamed.

Thus, it’s critical as a consumer to have your own judgment beyond those standardized initiatives.

Triple bottom-line example: Patagonia

Patagonia follows a triple-bottom-line approach where it tries to align people, the planet, and profit with a movement that moves toward slow fashion.

This moves in the opposite direction of fast fashion models like Zara.

Ultra-fast fashion models like ASOS.

Or yet real-time retail models like Shein.

On the opposite spectrum, Patagonia follows a slow fashion approach.

This has been imbued within Patagonia’s organizational structure.

Thus the triple-bottom-line approach is built into Patagonia’s business model, with a complete restructuring of its organizational structure, rather than just in its marketing or communication (which is usually what happens in greenwashing).

Examples of Triple Bottom Line Applications

The Triple Bottom Line has been embraced by a wide range of organizations, including businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. Here are some examples of how the TBL has been applied in various contexts:

1. Patagonia: The outdoor clothing company Patagonia is known for its strong commitment to environmental sustainability. It has implemented initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint, such as using recycled materials in its products and donating a percentage of sales to environmental causes.
2. Unilever: Consumer goods giant Unilever has integrated the TBL into its business model. The company has set ambitious environmental and social sustainability goals, including reducing its environmental impact and improving the well-being of one billion people by 2030.
3. B Corps: Benefit corporations, or B Corps, are businesses that are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on employees, customers, suppliers, communities, and the environment. B Corps use the TBL framework as a guide for their operations.
4. Local Government: Some local governments use the TBL to assess the impact of public policies and projects. For example, a city might evaluate the economic, social, and environmental effects of a new public transportation system.
5. Nonprofit Organizations: Nonprofits often apply the TBL to measure their social and environmental impact alongside their financial performance. This helps them demonstrate their commitment to their mission and attract donors and supporters.

Relevance of the Triple Bottom Line Today

The Triple Bottom Line continues to be highly relevant in today’s world for several reasons (provided it doesn’t turn into greenwashing):

• Sustainability Challenges: The world faces pressing sustainability challenges, including climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality. The TBL provides a framework for addressing these challenges and promoting responsible business practices.
• Consumer Expectations: Consumers increasingly expect businesses to be socially and environmentally responsible. Companies that fail to consider the “people” and “planet” aspects of the TBL may face reputational risks and loss of market share.
• Regulatory Trends: Governments and regulatory bodies are increasingly incorporating sustainability reporting requirements into their mandates. This trend reinforces the importance of considering social and environmental factors.
• Investor Interest: Responsible investing, which considers environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, has gained prominence. Investors are looking for companies that align with TBL principles.
• Global Goals: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global framework for addressing pressing global challenges. Many of these goals align with the principles of the Triple Bottom Line.

Key takeaways

• Definition of Triple Bottom Line (TBL):
  • The TBL theory goes beyond the single bottom line of profit and introduces two additional bottom lines: people and the planet.
  • TBL emphasizes the need to balance people, planet, and profit for a sustainable and circular business model.
• Three Ps of TBL:
  • The three bottom lines of TBL are: People, Planet, and Profit.
  • People: Includes employees, suppliers, distributors, and the community. Focuses on humane working conditions, fair wages, and community engagement.
  • Planet: Focuses on reducing ecological footprint, minimizing waste, resource dependence, and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Profit: Traditionally measures corporate success, but TBL shows that profit doesn’t have to compromise people and planet.
• Advantages of TBL Theory:
  • Resilience: Businesses adopting TBL are more resilient to environmental stressors like climate change.
  • Public Relations: Companies emphasizing people and the planet build better consumer relations, seen as progressive and sustainable.
  • Legitimacy: TBL theory gives credibility to sustainability and social responsibility efforts, gaining support from influential businesses.
• Disadvantages of TBL Theory:
  • Accountability: Lack of specific guidelines can lead to empty claims without verifiable actions or data.
  • Capitalist Slant: TBL may prioritize people and planet only if it increases profits, potentially contradicting true sustainability priorities.
• Triple Bottom Line, GPI, and GRI:
  • Many entities use the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) to measure standardized data across economic, social, and environmental variables.
  • The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) sets standards for measuring and reporting social impact and responsibility.
• Environmental and Social Variables under TBL:
  • Examples of environmental variables: water pollution, air pollution, noise pollution, wetland loss, CO2 emissions, etc.
  • Examples of social variables: remuneration equality, workforce segmentation, health initiatives, labor standards, community impact assessment, etc.
• Beware of Greenwashing:
  • Greenwashing is deceptive marketing that makes unsubstantiated claims about environmentally-friendly products.
  • The “six sins of greenwashing” include hidden trade-offs, no proof, vagueness, irrelevance, lesser of two evils, and fibbing.
• Triple Bottom-Line Example: Patagonia:
  • Patagonia follows a triple-bottom-line approach, aligning people, planet, and profit.
  • Patagonia’s mission prioritizes environmental protection, slow fashion, and using business for nature’s benefit.
  • Patagonia’s organizational structure reflects its commitment to sustainability, not just in marketing.
• Key Takeaways:
  • TBL theory measures an organization’s sustainability through three bottom lines: people, planet, and profit.
  • Businesses can adopt TBL for better resilience, public relations, and legitimacy.
  • TBL’s disadvantages include accountability challenges and potential capitalist biases.
  • GPI and GRI standards help measure environmental and social initiatives.
  • Consumers should be cautious of greenwashing and consider their judgment beyond standardized initiatives.

• Read also: Business Strategy, Examples, Case Studies, And Tools

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