The Triple Bottom Line: How Today's Best-Run Companies Are Achieving Economic, Social and Environmental Success -- and How You Can Too

by Andrew Savitz, Karl Weber

The Triple Bottom Line is the groundbreaking book that charts the rise of sustainability within the business world and shows how and why financial success increasingly goes hand in hand with social and environmental achievement. Andrew Savitz chronicles both the real problems that companies face and the innovative solutions that can come from sustainability. His is a hard-line approach to bottom-line fundamentals that is re-making companies around the globe.

Genres: Business, Sustainability, Economics, Economic Development, Nonfiction

335 pages, Hardcover

First published August 8, 2006

Reviews

[Renata Balbino · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book serves as an invaluable reference for those interested in corporate sustainability, which prompted my decision to read it. Although it claims to cater to individuals of all knowledge levels, I found it to be more suitable for those who are new to the field, rather than those who are already immersed in it. Nevertheless, it would be an excellent resource for senior management, as well as for those looking to persuade top management to prioritize sustainability investments. The writing style, while somewhat repetitive and laborious at times, provides actionable steps and guidance on how to proceed when initiating sustainability efforts within a company. Despite its shortcomings, the book offers practical insights and recommendations that could help for with the next steps to embrace sustainability within their organization.

[The Conch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hersey chocolate was famous for its pro-employee, pro-social, pro-people attitude. Community loves the company. Company took various social initiatives such as setting up educational institutes, hospitals and parks for local communities and employees. Suddenly, the management thought to sell the company. The aftermath was not expected by management. Entire local communities, employees, retired CEO started agitation to block the sell. Deal was finalized and simultaneously protesters's agitation were becoming non-ignorable as media already started broadcasting. Ultimately, Hersey had to blink and forced to cancel the deal. This was power of community.

Nowadays, it is becoming more and more difficult to run business only for profit and welfare of shareholders. People become aware about ecological, economical and social consequences of running business. "Business of business is business" is no more holding its ground. Organization has to think about "The Triple Bottom Line": Environment, Economy and Society. Business has to be sustainable.

This book explains well what is the benefit of adopting sustainability or adopting triple bottom line concept in their business through various case studies. The author proves that concern about sustainability is not all lose-lose business, but it is ultimately cash-cow. If organizations understand that without involving local communities, running of business is actually loss making, then they will have to adopt Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the 2008 financial crisis, America's faith in the belief of beneficent businesses has clearly been shaken to the core. Fortunately, Mr. Savitz laid out a plan for businesses to attain "sustainability" that may be of aid to those businesses who want to put the financial meltdown behind them. Mr. Savitz describes sustainability as the assurance of long-term business growth and profitability through broad corporate transparency and shareholder (shareholder meaning those who have an interest in different aspects of business practices from executives and employees to the local community and even hostile NGOs) engagement. It also includes a plea for businesses not maintain a bunker mentality, of litigating every problem it has with governmental agencies or NGO/Watchdog groups, but rather working with them, accruing possible short-term costs, but gaining significant long-term benefits. This is a rather bold argument for corporate responsibility in the 21st century and one I hope every executive on Wall Street has read or is reading. I did feel that the authors presented a few too many straw-man arguments in order to justify their positions and their arguments did sound a little too rosy at times, but those are only small knocks on an otherwise fine book.

[Peter Holst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction into what it means to operate a company with a focus on the triple bottom line. Interesting insights into defining stakeholders, managing community impacts, and other relevant strategies.

[Julie Glynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great examples, great advice.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savitz uses real-world examples to show how sustainability can tranform any company in a positive way, not only in image, but in profit.

[Kellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, approachable book on business, CSR, sustainability, etc.

[Bryan]

Doing good doesn't have to come as a tradeoff with profit. This book lays out strategies for generating competitive advantage by aligning profits with good.

[Marian Schwaller Carney · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are into TBL, it's an interesting read with examples.