The Triple Bottom Line: Alive and Well in Quito, Ecuador
We hear the words often: “The Triple Bottom Line.” Which means, of course, “People, Planet, Profit.”
It sounds so nice, so lofty --- but often it is hard to put into action, to actualize these principles daily. What it really comes down to is “Conscientious Leadership” or as we like to say “Putting Soul into Business.”
We are fortunate and honored to have met many companies in the country who practice the triple bottom line through their commitment as Benefit Corporations or B Corps. Some of them we interviewed in our book. However, what we have learned through our travels is that this is a global movement with some of the “shiniest examples” in other countries.
On a recent trip to the highlands of Ecuador, trekking in the Andes and visiting the capital city of Quito, I ran across a stellar business, a small boutique hotel, Hotel Casa EcuaTreasures. It is one of the finest examples of conscientious leadership I have encountered to date. I was so impressed with their commitment to the triple bottom line not only as they practice the philosophy with their clients and customers, but how owner Hernan, a former banker and business consultant, uses his influence externally in the community and with other business leaders to provoke discussions around global warming and sustainability.
Quito is a magical city, splendid with its indigenous Indian culture as well as blessed with beautiful colonial buildings and gold laden churches built by the Spanish in the city’s Old Town district. At this small eight-room hotel, located in Old Town, the art of native cultures is sprinkled throughout the building, showing respect and reminding us of the cultural roots of the Andes, and not just that of the Spanish conquistadors.
Featuring an Andean breakfast, including my favorite arepas, the owners also incorporate Nature into the décor naming the rooms after the four elements of Wind, Water, Earth and Fire. As owner Hernan explains, “We are eco-friendly and sustainable because we LOVE Nature.” The hotel utilizes solar panels to power their water systems and the products used by the hotel are 100% recyclable. NO PLASTIC HERE!
The owners are involved in the community employing local neighbors to help drive their guests to and from the airport and “chauffeuring” them on day trips. They support the local economy by utilizing the small businesses nearby from laundromats to small tiendas (stores) for their needs. In terms of management style, everyone we encountered was humble and authentic including Johnny a Venezuelan attorney, and Joel, a Venezuelan chef, both who emigrated to Ecuador and now help with the operations of the hotel and are a part of “the family.” Casa EcuaTreasures is a cooperative model. “Our culture is that everyone pitches in, to provide the highest quality of care,” as Hernan says. “We work together in order to make our guests as happy as possible, for at the end, they do us a favor by visiting our country. Therefore, they deserve to get the best possible service from us.”
Hernan is a talented musician as well. His passion is to use his music and the space of the hotel to raise awareness around the tragedy of global warming and generate support toward reforestation efforts is an ongoing goal.
It was an honor to be a guest at Hotel Casa EcuaTreasures, which exemplifies “Putting Soul into Business.” I continue to be humbled in my travels in Latin America and in Europe to see the strong commitment toward sustainability, equity, humility, and conscientious leadership.
Truth be told, the United States has a long way to go in terms of general acceptance of the triple bottom line, which seems to be gaining more traction globally.
It’s a wakeup call. It’s more than money and profit. It’s about service, sustainability, community and connection and it’s happening in Quito, Ecuador.
—>Learn more about the 6 simple steps to becoming a certified Oregon Benefit Company or benefit corporation.
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