The EBRD's Environmental and Social Advisory Council (ESAC) was created shortly after the Bank was founded in 1991. It is an independent body of environmental specialists who advise the Bank on environmental issues such as policy, international standards, technical development, emerging trends and future opportunities.
ESAC members are appointed for three year periods, and are selected based on professional expertise as well as their potential to contribute to the development of the EBRD’s policies and programmes. They represent a wide spectrum of interests including non-governmental organisations, the private sector, and academic and research institutions.
ESAC members and EBRD staff maintain regular contact between meetings, which are normally held twice a year.