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QSO 321 Module One Assignment
The Triple Bottom Line is a concept that was created by John Elkington in 1994, and it is
based on the concept that companies need to consider their social and environmental impacts on
the planet, rather than the performance of their finances. “Can we make and sell this in a way
that is good for the people doing the making? “ What impact will this have on our community? “
What impact will this have on the environment?” (Soomo, n.d.) This concept can be adopted by
both manufacturing and service industries. Along with the utilization of B Impact assessments,
which assist in measuring and managing the company’s impact on workers, community,
consumers & the environment. Both industries can use this tool and measure the TBL value.
This can help to assess and make informed choices for the company.
Similarities:
There are many similarities that can exist with manufacturing and service industries in the
journey to become sustainable. The basic concept is to have a sustainable business plan and to be
a positive impact in the environment, and in society and also to benefit the profit for the
shareholders. Many business leaders are now seeing the power and impact of having sustainable
goals and how this is will impact not only business but how consumers view them. Being able to
have a goal with a positive impact on the planet and on profit can be beneficial for the future of
the company. Goals: both industries aim for sustainability in their business practices. Economic
Impacts: Both generate revenue and create jobs. Partnerships: both industries can partner with
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environmentally focused organizations to manage the impact on the environment. TBL is about
helping the business operate more sustainably and responsibly, and to help manage and promote
the impact on the environment.
Differences:
Manufacturing and service industries have many differences in their output, production on
demand for inventory, production for customer request and production locations. In
manufacturing they may have to focus more on the impact that they have on the environment,
and how they create and dispose of raw materials and also how they dispose of the materials.
Manufacturing industries need to have goals set in place to reduce energy use and carbon
footprints in their processes. In service industries, the primary concern is to how the time and
energy of their employees will be focused to meeting the needs of other professionals.
Examples: Helping to improve material transportation processes to reduce energy is an example
that some companies would implement. UPS and FedEx and Amazon and worked to make their
vehicles, more energy efficient, and to have less carbon emissions that affect the environment.
Starbucks has “Green” stores, which is able to reduce the operating costs and minimize the
impact of business practices on the environment. Disney has been using a zero net direct
greenhouse gas emission policy in all its facilities. It is also working on reducing the indirect
greenhouse emissions with the reduction of electrical consumption. They also have a zerowaste
policy, which means nothing will end up in landfills. They have technology in place to help save
water and works on lowering the footprint of its product manufacturing and distribution.
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Manufacturing Firms hold inventory and own and occupy large structures. Manufacturing firms
also need to deliver their goods out to the consumers after they are produced. Service firms do
not have to deliver tangible items. Service will spend more on labor with people due to the need
for a workforce that has specialized skillsets as well.
Examples: One example that can be used across both service and manufacturing an employee
fitness program. In a hotel, they could provide a gym and access to workouts with bikes and
other equipment, to use at no cost for employees. In the manufacturing industries, employers
could offer different options in the dining hall for the employees to enjoy, such as vegan and
gluten free options. In both cases, the employer should provide valid information on this
program, via emails and or paper handouts. Another example, Implementing the TBL method
should be standard. One way to implement this is to compile all the information, both positive
and negative and put it all together on a list. Consult with management teams and get input from
employees to help and asses the items that need to be corrected and managed as soon as possible.
It is vital to action all items and see how they can affect the company.
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Reference:
Soomo. (n.d.). Soomo Learning. People, Planet, Profit. Retrieved January 14 2024, from
https://www.webtexts.com/signin?session_missing=true
(2022, December 12). Triple Bottom Line. Triple Bottom Line. Retrieved January 14, 2024, from
https://uwex.wisconsin.edu/stories-news/triple-bottom-line/
(n.d.). 9 Companies with Great Environmental Initiatives. Www.Smartcitiesdive.com. Retrieved
January 14, 2024, from
https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/ex/sustainablecitiescollective/9companies-great-
environmental-initiatives/1193165/
