The term Triple Bottom Line (TBL) was coined by John Elkington in 1994. Originally, TBL was an accounting tool designed to measure the performance of private business in three areas: profitability, environmental impact, and social responsibility. TBL also reques that a company's responsibility be shared between shareholders and stakeholders. The TBL has since been adopted by public sector entities desiring to capture an expanded spectrum of values and criteria for measuring organizational (and societal) success.

The Toledo-Lucas County Sustainability Commission embraces TBL concepts and will use this framework to guide our actions. Recognizing the interdependence of economic prosperity, social equity, and the environment, this approach encompasses the definition of sustainability. The Commission subcommittee structure reflects our commitment to the Triple Bottom Line - with the addition of a subcommittee dedicated solely to sustainable energy.