The impact of environmental and social practices on the triple bottom line: A mediated model

This chapter analyses the impact of sustainable practices on the three dimensions of the triple bottom line (TBL). The three dimensions are: environmental, social, and economic. The chapter utilizes the TBL perspective, considering its three dimensions, in order to measure improvements in sustainability performance. It examines both environmental and social practices as suggested by S. Seuring and M. Muller's definition of sustainable operations. The chapter considers the firm's operational performance as a proxy of the economic dimension. It examines the impact of internal social and environmental practices on environmental, social, and operational performance. The impact of environmental practices on operational performance is mediated by the environmental and social performance achieved. This suggests that being a sustainable company contributes to achieve operational improvements. Environmental sustainability refers to the use of energy and other resources and the footprint companies leave behind as a result of their operations.