What is a multiple bottom-line company?
‘Multiple bottom-line’ is used to describe companies whose mission and operations generate profit as well as measurable, positive impacts for society and or, the environment. It is not “corporate social responsibility” (CSR) where companies engage in philanthropic programs or voluntarily reduce their environmental impacts. Multiple bottom-line companies are distinct in that their environmental and social returns are fully integrated with their profit model. The more money they make, the larger their social/environmental impact.
An easy example is a municipal sewage treatment company that uses a biogas digester to produce electricity and clean water from urban waste. Waste treatment, clean water and electricity generation are all revenue generating yet have unmistakable social and environmental impacts.
Multiple bottom-line companies often have innovative business models and target non-traditional markets. A few great resources for learning more about this fast emerging field include
-Ashoka’s Hybrid Value Chain
-WRI’s New Ventures
-Acumen Fund’s Investment Performance
Please feel free to share your own examples below or inquire further.