HomeResearch & Knowledgeback to HomeSustainabilityback to Research & KnowledgeBeyond the Triple Bottom Lineback to Sustainability

Book

Beyond the Triple Bottom Line

Eight steps toward a sustainable business model

By Francisco Szekely and Zahir Dossa

224 pages

Hardcover

Overview

Keep reading

Overview

Keep reading

Many recent books make the case for businesses to become more sustainable, but few explain the specifics. In this book, Francisco Szekely and Zahir Dossa offer a pragmatic new business model for sustainability that extends beyond the traditional framework of the triple bottom line, describing eight steps that range from exploring a vision and establishing a strategy to implementing the strategy and promoting innovation.

Szekely and Dossa argue that businesses and organizations need to move away from the business case for sustainability toward a sustainable business model. That is, businesses should go beyond the usual short-term focus on minimizing harm while maximizing profits. Instead, businesses on the path to sustainability should, from the start, focus on addressing a societal need and view profitability not as an end but as a means to support the sustainable organization.

Szekely and Dossa explore key problems organizations face when pursuing a sustainability agenda. Each chapter presents one of the eight steps, describes a business dilemma for sustainability, provides a theoretically grounded strategic framework, offers case studies that illustrate the dilemma, and summarizes key findings; the case studies draw on the experiences of such companies as Tesla Motors, Patagonia, TOMs, and Panera. The book emphasizes leadership, arguing that leaders who question the status quo, inspire others, and take risks are essential for achieving sustainable business practices.

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Axiom Book Awards 2018
Category: Sustainability
Bronze medal

Hardcover

eBook

You can also buy the book on Barnes & Nobles, Book Depository, Orell Füssli and Routledge.

Publisher

MIT Press

ISBN

9780262035996

Keep reading

Article

Making good use of a blackout - Electricity Systems

The Spanish blackout of April 2025 is an opportunity to strengthen electricity systems that have higher shares of renewables and should not be used as an excuse to slow down the energy transition.

Sustainability

By Cédric Philibert

in I by IMD

Case Study

HP Amplify Impact A: Channeling partners for change

Sustainability Leadership

By Heather Cairns-Lee, Julia Katharina Binder and Valerie Keller-Birrer

Article

How Lindström is Reframing Circular Workwear in Asia

Lindström advances circular workwear in Asia by extending textile life through laundering, repair, and reuse, but cultural barriers challenge expansion efforts.

Sustainability

By Julia Binder and Esther Salvi

in I by IMD

Article

The next competitive edge: Why A.I. and sustainability must evolve together

In today’s boardrooms, two themes dominate: rapid technological advancement and the growing urgency of environmental accountability. But a new source of competitive advantage is emerging, not from A.I. or sustainability alone, but from the deliber...

Artificial Intelligence Sustainability

By Michael R. Wade and Konstantinos Trantopoulos

in Observer

24 June 2025

Article

Healthcare Leader’s Approach to Sustainable Transformation

First-hand insights from a healthcare executive navigating sustainability in a tightly regulated sector, where progress is slow, but leadership makes it possible.

Sustainability

By Núria Ibáñez-García

in I by IMD

Article

L’Oréal Sustainability - Kiri Trier

L’Oréal Sustainability lead Kiri Trier shares how she’s shifting customer behavior to make recycling, refilling, and waste reduction a bathroom habit.

Competitiveness Sustainability

By Julia Binder and Esther Salvi

in I by IMD

Article

The ‘Cola Wars’ of sustainability: How corporate rivalries can accelerate sustainable business transformation - IbyIMD

As companies jostle for sustainability leadership, these competitive rivalries are proving unexpectedly powerful in accelerating environmental action, while strategic collaborations can amplify the impact.

Sustainability

By Goutam Challagalla and Knut Haanaes

in I by IMD

Book

Twin transformation: A gripping tale of how AI and sustainability converge, and the race to get it right

Have you ever wondered why AI and sustainability seem so promising, yet so often fail to take off inside traditional companies? Or why, despite their potential synergy, AI and sustainability are so rarely pursued together? Too often, companies tre...

Artificial Intelligence Sustainability Competitiveness Innovation Change Management

By Michael R. Wade and Konstantinos Trantopoulos

Article

Sustainability backsliding doesn’t have to mean back to square one

In President Trump’s second term, a variety of executive actions have reversed social progress. Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement presents a significant challenge to bending the global emissions curve since it is one of the world’s larg...

Sustainability Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

By Amanda Williams, Lucrezia Nava and Gail Whiteman

in Stanford Social Innovation Review Online

2 June 2025

HP Amplify Impact B: From launch to legacy

By Julia Katharina Binder and Heather Cairns-Lee
Case reference: IMD-2695

Summary

The B case outlines how, by early 2025, Isabella Phoenix's initial vision for HP's Amplify Impact sustainability program had grown into a global initiative involving 4,800 partners in 48 countries. The program surpassed its goals, enrolling 59 of HP partners vs. a 50 target and contributing to billions of dollars in sustainability-influenced sales. Key to its success were tools like a clear self-assessment, a rich resource hub and a focus on voluntary engagement rather than financial incentives building true partnerships instead of transactional relationships. Partners gained credibility and competitive advantage, and the program was supported strongly by HP leadership and recognized with major awards. However, as Phoenix and senior leaders prepared to leave the company, the program faced challenges: rising competitor initiatives, shifting political attitudes toward ESG and internal leadership transitions. The central question became whether HP could sustain and evolve Amplify Impact's momentum and values in this uncertain environment.

Reference IMD-2695

Organization Hewlett-Packard

Industry Information Technology

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Sustainability

Leadership

Browse all topics

HP Amplify Impact A: Channeling partners for change

By Heather Cairns-Lee Julia Katharina Binder and Valerie Keller-Birrer
Case reference: IMD-2681 ©2025

Summary

The A case in this two-part series outlines the challenges Isabella Phoenix faced in designing a global sustainability program for HP's vast network of channel partners in just 12 weeks with only one team member and limited resources. The initiative aimed to help embed sustainability in HP global partners' strategies, many of whom lacked the resources or expertise to tackle sustainability alone. Phoenix faced the dual challenge of inspiring internal buy-in and engaging thousands of independent partners many of them small or midsize businesses with limited capacity. The voluntary program, built around HP's Sustainable Impact priorities of climate action, human rights, and digital equity and community, aimed to educate and empower partners without relying on traditional financial incentives. Instead, it encouraged commitment through practical tools and self-assessments and integrating sustainability into commercial deals. Despite the absence of rebates or rewards, the program sought to transform HP's ecosystem into a purpose-driven movement, proving that shared values and long-term impact could unite a diverse, global network.

Reference IMD-2681

Organization Hewlett-Packard

Industry Information Technology

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Sustainability

Leadership

Browse all topics