What Is the Triple Bottom Line?
The triple bottom line is a framework for considering the full cost of doing business by evaluating a project or organization against three dimensions: people (social), planet (environmental) and profit (economic). It broadens success beyond financial return alone.
In Practice
Applied to projects, the triple bottom line asks not only “is this profitable?” but also “what is its impact on people and the environment?” Teams weigh social outcomes (fair labor, community effects) and environmental outcomes (emissions, resource use) alongside cost and benefit, and report on all three.
PMBOK 8 Context
Sustainability is an explicit emphasis in the PMBOK Guide, 8th Edition. The triple bottom line supports the principle of stewardship and value-oriented thinking across the performance domains. See also waste and value delivery system.
FAQ
Who coined the term? It is widely attributed to John Elkington in the 1990s (“people, planet, profit”).
Why does it matter for project managers? Stakeholders and regulations increasingly expect projects to account for social and environmental impact, not just cost and schedule.
Author: Tom, PMP-certified since 2004. Last updated: July 2026. Aligned with the PMBOK Guide, 8th Edition.