The verdict is in: Environmental, social and governance ("ESG") practices are material to long term investors.

Barron's Magazine, June 23, 2018:  When investors consider ESG factors, studies indicate, they are identifying sound corporate behavior that will reduce risk and help keep capital safe.   Exhibit A:  Analysts who rate companies on ESG factors warned investors about Equifax (EFX), Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (VRX), and Volkswagen (VOW.Germany) before those stocks blew up, because they fell short on multiple sustainability criteria.

"No one is asking whether ESG investing is the right thing to do in the European Union. The U.S. is behind the curve".