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
What it is and how to use it.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.