"Passive managers are no longer treating stewardship responsibilities as a ‘box-ticking′ exercise, but are actively looking to influence investee companies and help improve environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards across the board. They vote and engage directly with firms on prominent issues such as executive pay, board diversity and climate change."

[COMMENTARY] Many investment industry professionals have been concerned about the effects of passive funds on the health of stock markets. In particular, their indiscriminate buying stocks — whether a stock is ’good or bad.’ Incorporating ESG in defining a passive fund goes some way in resolving this concern.
Passive managers are increasingly interested in ESG, by Passive managers are increasingly interested in ESG Hortense Bioy, July 24, 2017, FT Advisor, UK.