The interactive sustainability model

Sustainability and the TBL introduce the opportunity for an interpretation that is specific to the requirements of the user, effectively creating a model on which to base further communication on various aspects of the company as it relates to the sustainability challenges facing the company. Alternatively, the interactive sustainability model could also be applied within the framework of a specific project.

Therefore, the interpretation of the interactive sustainability model is subject to the user’s own focus, as illustrated by the enclosed diagram:

sustainability model

From the overlap of the three primary areas (i.e. the TBL), emerge the 'shear zones' shown in this application as socio-economic, socio-environmental and eco-efficiency, listing in the diagram the resulting issues to which consideration is given and resources are applied within this particular company.

It is recognized that, like any simplification of a complex challenge, this definition has its limitations and detractors, however, it is a starting point that is  comprehensible, and has achieved a degree of consensus as a reasonable entry point into a complex issue.