25 Sustainable Business Models

What exactly are sustainable business models? While the definition itself may vary, as you'll see through the examples in this slideshow, the idea is rooted in addressing the triple bottom line: people, planet and profit. While the idea of a sustainable business has existed for centuries, it has become a way for a company or organization to create value and attract more business despite greenwashing and other advertising techniques. In the same vein, sometimes organizations name themselves a "sustainable business" and other times, they are incorporated into the sphere at large through others' labeling.

From for-profit venture accelerators and women-owned web design to leather loafers that attempt to create jobs and courier services, sustainable business models are sometimes used as a synonym of green business.