Eight American companies have been named top sustainable investments by a prestigious investment boutique that annually rates companies on environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

Alcoa (Aluminum), Baxter (Medical Products), Herman Miller (Furnishing), Nalco (Waste & Disposal Services), Pepsi (Beverages), Sonoco (Containers & Packaging), Teradata (Computer Services & Internet) and United Health Group (Healthcare Providers) were named sector leaders and recognized as setting their industry's standard for sustainability by Sustainable Asset Management (SAM), a member of global asset manager Robeco. The companies were included in SAM's 9th annual Sustainability Yearbook 2012, which was released today at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Out of the 82 American companies in the Yearbook, 11 received SAM Gold Class medals for excellence in sustainability. Companies with the highest score in their sector receive recognition as SAM Sector Leaders and are considered to be the best prepared to seize the opportunities and manage the risks from economic, environmental and social developments.

Check out the yearbook by clicking here.