Triple Bottom Line of sustainability
The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) is an accounting concept which was introduced to widen the focus of businesses from the traditional financial bottom line to include social and environmental responsibilities.
The term was introduced in 1994 by John Elkington to measure the level of social responsibility, economic value and environmental impact of a business. It sought to build on the concepts of sustainable development which had been defined by the UN’s Brundtland Commission in 1987.
In terms of sustainability, a company adopting TBL measures seeks to minimise its environmental impact as much as possible, or to benefit the natural environment in some way. The ecological footprint of a company can be reduced by managing energy consumption, switching to renewable energy sources, reducing manufacturing waste, adopting safe disposal methods or recycling, and so on. A life cycle assessment of materials and products, following a cradle-to-grave approach, is most commonly undertaken by TBL companies to assess environmental costs.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
A brief description of a smart construction dashboard, collecting as-built data, as a s site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure bill oulined
With reactions from IHBC and others on its potential impacts.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.