Triple bottom line Definition
The triple bottom line captures an expanded spectrum of values and criteria for measuring organizational (and societal) success - economic, environmental and social. In practical terms, "triple bottom line accounting" usually means expanding the traditional company reporting framework to take into account not just financial outcomes but also environmental and social performance. The phrase was coined by John Elkington, co-founder of the business consultancy SustainAbility, in his 1998 book Cannibals with Forks: the Triple Bottom Line of 21st Century Business.