LCA Global Coordinating Group
The Global Coordinating Group (GCG) was formed in 2011 as a mechanism for communication between the regional Advisory Groups in Europe and North America and to allow the other Geographic Units to have representation in global SETAC LCA affairs. The GCG became the point of membership for all members in the SETAC LCA Community with the switch to the new membership platform. However, members in Europe and North America will maintain their affiliation with their respective regional Advisory Group as well. Those Groups will continue to function as standalone Advisory Groups and organize and conduct LCA activities within their respective geographies. The choice of terminology as a "coordinating” rather than advisory or steering group is deliberate. Given the differing perspectives and applications of LCA in the various regions, there is value in retaining the current regional structure and in allowing creation of geographic unit-oriented LCA AGs where none currently exist.

The two geographic unit level LCA advisory groups were among the earliest established in SETAC. At the time distinct interests and centers of activity made it appropriate to have separate groups for the two regions. As time has gone on, LCA became a more global practice and the interests of regional groups more overlapping and intersecting. In addition, LCA practitioners and interested individuals from Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa had no direct voice in the advisory group governance structure existing within SETAC.

Mission
The mission of the LCA Global Coordinating Group within SETAC is to encourage and coordinate regional Advisory Group efforts to advance the science, practice, and application of LCAs and ensure that a global perspective is maintained toward the achievement of LCA Advisory Group objectives. To accomplish this mission, the Group will serve as a focal point to provide a harmonizing forum for the identification, resolution, and communication of issues and activities regarding LCA across geographic units. Further, it will facilitate, coordinate, and provide guidance for the development and implementation of LCA methodology and practice in close cooperation with the LCA Advisory Groups of SETAC in various regions. As such, it will serve as a point of liaison between the SETAC LCA Advisory Groups and the SETAC governance role as co-Chair of the International Life Cycle Board of the UNEP SETAC Life Cycle Initiative.

Members
Members of the GCG include the chair and co-chair of the Europe and North America LCA AG Steering Committees, at-large members from the other three SETAC Geographic Units, and ex-officio members from SETAC governance and staff. However, a regional AG may determine that other representation is more suitable or effective and inform the LCA-GCG moderator of the basis of such a decision. At-large members shall be nominated by the regional AG representatives to the LCA-GCG and approved by simple majority. In the event of a tie, the SETAC Global Executive Director shall cast a tie breaking vote. GCG members will serve a maximum of three-year terms or as dictated by the term limits specified by their regional AG.

Current members of the CGC are:

Responsibilities
The LCA Global Coordinating Group is responsible for:

• Identifying, organizing and overseeing joint or global activities, such as meetings and publications;
• Liaison with the SETAC World Council and the SETAC Global Executive Director;
• Coordinating SETAC LCA Advisory Groups in all regions;
• Financial planning and management of the SETAC global account for LCA activities;
• Communications external to the GCG or AG membership, including as expert liaison to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• Updating and maintaining the LCA global presence on the SETAC web site, and
• Producing and disseminating an agenda and minutes for each of its meetings.