Triple bottom line

This chapter explores the triple bottom line (TBL) framework introduced by John Elkington in the 1990s to broaden the scope of business performance beyond financial success. By integrating the three dimensions of profit, people and planet, the TBL supports organisations to align their strategies with sustainability goals. This chapter examines the origins, principles and practical applications of the TBL, highlighting its role in guiding decision-making, fostering stakeholder engagement and enhancing corporate governance. Key methods for calculating and reporting TBL performance, such as financial ratios, social impact assessments and environmental metrics like carbon footprints, are discussed alongside challenges like data inconsistencies, balancing priorities and greenwashing risks. This chapter emphasises the importance of transparency and accountability, offering insights into how the TBL supports sustainable value creation. While impactful, the TBL's complexity shows the need for ongoing refinement to maximise its effectiveness.