What is TBLI? Triple bottom line (abbreviated as TBL) is an accounting framework with three parts: social, environmental (or ecological) and financial. These three divisions are also called the three Ps: people, planet and profit, or the "three pillars of sustainability". The "I" stands for investing and thus as a whole refers to investments made involving the aforementioned, three bottom lines, instead of just one.
All TBLI conferences represent a:
A carefully curated program tailored for both ESG and Impact Investors
Practical Workshops with case studies, market analysis and lessons learned
Interactive TBLI Masterclasses on opportunities, innovation and risksHigh-Level Plenary Sessions with seasoned ESG investors, entrepreneurs, CSR and SRI specialistsEntrepreneur Pitching Salon featuring pre-qualified businessesMy own thoughts and experience about impact investing conferences was supported by the frustration of one of the participants of the workshops “How to identify Risks and Opportunities”, who was on one of the first TBLI conferences around 20 years ago…The main discussion opened around that simple ESG investments currently offered by many financial institutions are simply not enough anymore to contribute to climate change nor to main other global issues that the humanity is currently facing.
We are “overreporting”, we are “over discussing” about impact measurement and performance, we are “overregulating”, but we aren’t overacting for “deep” impact. We are not supporting enough early stage start-ups with high social and environmental impact, we are not making it easy to fundraise even for the existing impact business for them being able to scale their solutions for the planet. We are still having a “capitalist” mind set and craving for no risk but market returns, so no wonder that the frustration changemakers, trying to shift the consciousness toward sustainability after 20 years in the industry is taking over sometimes.
For the new comers in the impact investing industry it might shine that the true impact is happening right now. What I see after 6 years in the industry, that it is still moving too slow. We need more actions, decisions, changemakers in the leading positions who can take serious decisions and move key financial institutions towards deep impact.
I am sure we will evolve. But, truly hope, that it will be on time and not too late for future generations. It is undeniable that we need financial leaders who can step out for the planet and social challenges. It is them who will gain the pride back of being a banker or financial professionals.
