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13 Dec 2025
•
Understanding Elkington's Triple Bottom Line Concept
Sanii
@saniii.4
1 / 6
Understanding the Triple Bottom Line
Traditional businesses focus solely on profit - the money left after all costs are paid. But the triple bottom line (TBL) completely changes this by measuring three equally important factors.
Profit in TBL isn't just about shareholders getting rich. It's about creating sustainable wealth that benefits the entire community, not just management and investors.
People examines how a business treats everyone it works with - employees, suppliers, customers, and local communities. This includes worker safety, fair pay, reasonable hours, and ethical supplier relationships like Fairtrade.
Planet focuses on environmental responsibility. Companies track their carbon footprint, use renewable energy, reduce waste through recycling, and measure the true cost of any environmental damage they cause.
Key Point: TBL transforms the traditional "bottom line" from a single profit figure into a comprehensive sustainability scorecard.
Real-World Examples: Amazon and Patagonia
Amazon shows how massive companies can embrace TBL principles. For people, they provide decent employment at fulfillment centres, though they've faced criticism for paying Mexican workers only minimum wage. Their planet initiatives include investing heavily in solar power, achieving zero CO2 emissions at some facilities.
Patagonia demonstrates TBL excellence across all areas. They've built incredible employee loyalty through comprehensive health coverage, on-site childcare, and mandatory 5pm building closures to protect work-life balance. They're founding members of the Fair Trade Association.
Their environmental commitment runs deep - they've used recycled plastic bottles for clothing since 1993 and created Tin Shed Ventures to invest in renewable energy companies. Despite these costs, their marketing strategies and loyal customer base generated over $1 billion in sales.
Key Point: Both companies prove that prioritising people and planet can actually boost profitability through customer loyalty and operational efficiency.
IKEA's Circular Business Model
IKEA represents the future of sustainable retail through their circular business approach. They're transforming their entire supply chain - currently 60% renewable materials and 10% recycled, with ambitious targets ahead.
Their innovative buy-back scheme allows customers to return old IKEA furniture, helping eliminate waste whilst building customer loyalty. By 2025, they're transitioning their entire delivery fleet to zero emissions vehicles.
The people element focuses on inspiring healthier, sustainable living for over 1 billion customers worldwide. Their IWAY Standard ensures international labour standards across their global supply chain.
Financially, IKEA's 2020 revenue hit 36.9 billion Euros. Rather than just distributing profits, they reinvest heavily in R&D for sustainable materials and renewable energy infrastructure.
Key Point: IKEA proves that environmental responsibility can become a competitive advantage and drive innovation.
Weighing the Benefits and Challenges
TBL advantages are compelling for forward-thinking businesses. Companies using this approach show greater resilience during environmental crises and climate-related disruptions. The public relations benefits are massive - consumers increasingly support brands they perceive as progressive and sustainable, directly boosting brand equity and profits.
However, significant challenges exist. The framework can be frustratingly vague - whilst profit is easily measured in pounds and pence, how do you quantify "people" and "planet" impacts consistently?
There's no legal requirement to report TBL metrics, leading to poor adoption rates. Many critics argue it's not particularly useful as an overall performance measure because comparing social and environmental metrics between companies proves nearly impossible.
The measurement difficulties mean some companies might use TBL for marketing purposes rather than genuine commitment to change.
Key Point: TBL works best when companies commit to genuine measurement and improvement, not just marketing spin.
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Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Elkington's Triple Bottom Line Concept
Sanii
@saniii.4
Ever wondered why some companies care about more than just making money? Elkington's triple bottom line revolutionises how we measure business success by looking at three key areas: profit, people, and planet. This approach helps companies become more sustainable and... Show more
Understanding the Triple Bottom Line
Traditional businesses focus solely on profit - the money left after all costs are paid. But the triple bottom line (TBL) completely changes this by measuring three equally important factors.
Profit in TBL isn't just about shareholders getting rich. It's about creating sustainable wealth that benefits the entire community, not just management and investors.
People examines how a business treats everyone it works with - employees, suppliers, customers, and local communities. This includes worker safety, fair pay, reasonable hours, and ethical supplier relationships like Fairtrade.
Planet focuses on environmental responsibility. Companies track their carbon footprint, use renewable energy, reduce waste through recycling, and measure the true cost of any environmental damage they cause.
Key Point: TBL transforms the traditional "bottom line" from a single profit figure into a comprehensive sustainability scorecard.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Real-World Examples: Amazon and Patagonia
Amazon shows how massive companies can embrace TBL principles. For people, they provide decent employment at fulfillment centres, though they've faced criticism for paying Mexican workers only minimum wage. Their planet initiatives include investing heavily in solar power, achieving zero CO2 emissions at some facilities.
Patagonia demonstrates TBL excellence across all areas. They've built incredible employee loyalty through comprehensive health coverage, on-site childcare, and mandatory 5pm building closures to protect work-life balance. They're founding members of the Fair Trade Association.
Their environmental commitment runs deep - they've used recycled plastic bottles for clothing since 1993 and created Tin Shed Ventures to invest in renewable energy companies. Despite these costs, their marketing strategies and loyal customer base generated over $1 billion in sales.
Key Point: Both companies prove that prioritising people and planet can actually boost profitability through customer loyalty and operational efficiency.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
IKEA's Circular Business Model
IKEA represents the future of sustainable retail through their circular business approach. They're transforming their entire supply chain - currently 60% renewable materials and 10% recycled, with ambitious targets ahead.
Their innovative buy-back scheme allows customers to return old IKEA furniture, helping eliminate waste whilst building customer loyalty. By 2025, they're transitioning their entire delivery fleet to zero emissions vehicles.
The people element focuses on inspiring healthier, sustainable living for over 1 billion customers worldwide. Their IWAY Standard ensures international labour standards across their global supply chain.
Financially, IKEA's 2020 revenue hit 36.9 billion Euros. Rather than just distributing profits, they reinvest heavily in R&D for sustainable materials and renewable energy infrastructure.
Key Point: IKEA proves that environmental responsibility can become a competitive advantage and drive innovation.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Weighing the Benefits and Challenges
TBL advantages are compelling for forward-thinking businesses. Companies using this approach show greater resilience during environmental crises and climate-related disruptions. The public relations benefits are massive - consumers increasingly support brands they perceive as progressive and sustainable, directly boosting brand equity and profits.
However, significant challenges exist. The framework can be frustratingly vague - whilst profit is easily measured in pounds and pence, how do you quantify "people" and "planet" impacts consistently?
There's no legal requirement to report TBL metrics, leading to poor adoption rates. Many critics argue it's not particularly useful as an overall performance measure because comparing social and environmental metrics between companies proves nearly impossible.
The measurement difficulties mean some companies might use TBL for marketing purposes rather than genuine commitment to change.
Key Point: TBL works best when companies commit to genuine measurement and improvement, not just marketing spin.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Corporate Social Responsibility
Most popular content in Business
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user