3 ESG Stocks to Add to Your Portfolio for Sustainable Returns in 2026

Core Insights - ESG investing evaluates enterprises based on financial performance and their impact on stakeholders, including environmental and social factors [1][2] - The importance of ESG is rising due to increased awareness of environmental damage and social rights, leading companies to adopt responsible practices [2] Group 1: Company Initiatives - NVIDIA achieved 100% renewable electricity for its global offices and data centers in fiscal 2025 and aims to reduce direct emissions by 50% by 2030 [6][8] - IDEXX Laboratories targets 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and has signed virtual power purchase agreements to add clean electricity to energy grids [11] - Microsoft plans to be carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030, having contracted nearly 22 million metric tons of carbon removals in fiscal 2024 [14][15] Group 2: Performance Metrics - NVIDIA shares appreciated 36.9% over the trailing 12-month period, with a consensus estimate for fiscal 2026 earnings at $4.66 per share, indicating 55.9% growth from fiscal 2025 [10] - IDEXX shares surged 66% in the trailing 12-month period, with a steady consensus estimate for 2026 earnings at $14.42 per share, reflecting 11.7% growth from 2025 [13] - Microsoft shares returned 14.7% in a year, with a consensus estimate for fiscal 2026 earnings at $15.61 per share, indicating 14.4% growth from fiscal 2025 [16] Group 3: Social Responsibility - NVIDIA's workforce diversity includes 21% female employees and 6% from Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino backgrounds [9] - IDEXX supports underserved communities, providing access to veterinary care for approximately 79,000 animals annually and offering significant training for veterinary professionals [12]