3 pillars of sustainability and the triple bottom line

When we talk about sustainability, we often talk about responsibility and accountability too. But responsible to who? Accountable to what? That is where the “triple bottom line” and the “three pillars of sustainability” frameworks help us work towards.

Often, the terms “triple bottom line” and “three pillars of sustainability” are used interchangeably because of the similarity and overlaps they have. Nevertheless, there are some differences between the two concepts.

What are the three pillars of sustainability?

The three pillars of sustainability are also known as the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This framework was the culmination of discussions and debates among scholars, policy-makers, and practitioners in the fields of sustainable development and environmental management.

The three pillars includes environmental sustainability (including preserving natural resources and addressing climate change,) social sustainability (including social justice and well-being,) and economic sustainability (contribute to an economy to support a high standard of living for its citizens).

What is the triple bottom line?

The triple bottom line (commonly abbreviated as TBL) is a framework focuses more specifically for organizations and businesses. It measures an organization’s performance based on three bottom lines: social, environmental, and financial. The birth of the concept is often attributed to John Elkington’s introduction in 1994 and has become increasingly popular as a way for businesses and organizations to evaluate their sustainability and accountability towards the environmental and their stakeholders.

The three bottom lines look at the impacts of organizations and businesses on social (like human rights, community involvement, and social responsibility), environmental (energy efficiency, resource conservation,and waste reduction), and profitability (profits and return on investment). The framework ensures that they are not sacrificing one aspect of their operations for the sake of another, encouraging businesses to take a more holistic approach to what they do.

Difference between “triple bottom line” and “three pillars of sustainability”

The triple bottom line focuses on the economic, social, and environmental performance of an organization. It is primarily used by businesses and other organizations to evaluate their sustainability and responsibility to stakeholders.

On the other hand, the three pillars of sustainability is a broader concept that encompasses economic, social, and environmental sustainability. It is a framework for sustainable development that is used by governments, international organizations, and civil society to promote a balanced and integrated approach to sustainability. The three pillars of sustainability emphasize the interconnectedness and interdependence of economic, social, and environmental sustainability, and call for policies and actions that support sustainable development in all three areas.

In summary, the TBL is a specific framework for evaluating the sustainability performance of organizations, while the three pillars of sustainability is a broader concept that encompasses the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.