ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the triple bottom line (TBL) approach, one the most influential approaches to reporting and monitoring of sustainability performance worldwide. This tool aims to broaden the focus of managers and investors to a more holistic perspective on organizational performance. Instead of limiting the performance assessment to a financial bottom line, the TBL introduces three bottom lines: profit, people and planet. These different types of results can be used for both managing organizations and reporting performance. In addition, the basic principles of this useful tool build the foundation for many different reporting frameworks and financial management tools. The chapter introduces the reader to the development of the approach and the content of the TBL as well as various possibilities of calculation. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the problems that organizations face when introducing and using the TBL.
