The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) appoints the members of the Commission for a period of up to three calendar years. A direct reappointment is possible.
The ESK should cover all technical subjects necessary for a competent advice of the BMU. The members have to provide competent and objective advice. To ensure a balanced advice, the ESK members should represent the whole range of acceptable opinions according to the state of the art in science and technology. The ESK forms committees and working groups for special technical issues.
After hearing the Commission members, the BMU appoints the chairman and his deputy.
ESK membership is a personal honorary office. ESK members are independent and not bound by directives.

At present, the ESK consists of the following members: