Conservation Corner: Measuring success by the 'triple bottom line'

As our county’s population grows and new industry and people come to make Spartanburg County their home, we will see an increase in litter and environmental degradation unless we find balance between our natural world and development.

Many county leaders believe that attracting any industry is good for our county. But what if corporations don’t provide living wages for their employees, create heavy burdens on our infrastructure and are only economically viable with large tax cuts that further compromise our standard of living?

When our economic growth is shortsighted and only looking at the short-term, the quality of life for our future generations is sacrificed. "Triple bottom line" is a rather common concept in business that often gets overlooked. This is the idea of valuing people, place and profits equally for a healthy economic system that is sustainable and just for the people it serves. These concepts aren’t just theories and have had real-world applications that can and should be implemented in the governing structures of our local government, lest we be left behind and unable to adapt.

Sustainable development, as defined by the United Nations, is the pursuit of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It represents a departure from the narrow focus on economic growth and recognizes the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental systems. At its core, sustainable development is about finding a balance – between economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship.

Enter the triple bottom line framework – a powerful tool for evaluating business performance based on three key dimensions: economic, social, and environmental. Developed by sustainability pioneer John Elkington in the 1990s, this framework challenges the conventional wisdom that success is measured solely by financial profit. Instead, it advocates for a more holistic approach that considers the broader impacts of business activities on society and the environment.

The economic dimension of the triple bottom line acknowledges the importance of financial viability and long-term economic prosperity. However, it goes beyond profit-making to encompass factors such as job creation, economic diversification, and innovation. Sustainable businesses understand that their success is intricately linked to the well-being of the communities in which they operate, and they actively seek to create shared value for all stakeholders.

Equally critical is the social dimension of the triple bottom line, which emphasizes principles of equity, social inclusion, and justice. Sustainable development demands that we prioritize the well-being of all members of society, ensuring equal access to resources, opportunities, and basic human rights. This includes addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, which are not only morally imperative, but also essential for building resilient communities.

Last but certainly not least, the environmental dimension of the triple bottom line underscores the urgent need to protect and preserve our planet's natural resources and ecosystems. From mitigating climate change to conserving biodiversity and reducing pollution, environmental sustainability is paramount to the survival of life on Earth. Sustainable businesses recognize their role as stewards of the environment and take proactive steps to minimize their ecological footprints.

The triple bottom line framework has been successfully implemented in businesses, governments, and communities around the world. Companies, cities and regions that prioritize sustainable development enjoy greater resilience, enhanced reputation, and improvements in quality of life, public health, and environmental quality.

The transition to a sustainable future is not without its challenges. It requires bold leadership, collective action, and unwavering commitment from all sectors of society. It requires us to confront vested interests, overcome inertia, and navigate competing priorities. As we confront existential threats, the need for bold and decisive action has never been more urgent.

In closing, sustainable development and the triple bottom line offer a compelling vision for the future – one where prosperity is not achieved at the expense of people or the planet, but in harmony with them. It's a vision that calls on us to think beyond short-term gains and embrace a long-term perspective that prioritizes the well-being of current and future generations.

By embracing this vision and working together to realize its potential, we can build a future that is sustainable, equitable, and resilient for all.

Claire Roussos is the director of Keep OneSpartanburg Beautiful.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Conservation Corner: 'Triple bottom line' measures much more than money