Stockton's Low Carbon Materials shortlisted for Earthshot prize

Science-led construction company, Low Carbon Materials (LCM), has been chosen in the Fix Our Climate category of The Earthshot Prize, the world’s most prestigious environmental challenge.

All 15 Earthshot finalists announced by HRH Prince William today are recognised as entrepreneurs and innovators spearheading ground-breaking solutions to the biggest environmental challenges our planet faces.

Set up by three scientists, LCM, based at Fishburn Industrial Estate, is shaping the green construction sector with its science-based, lower carbon, new-age building material OSTO.

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This is a carbon-negative lightweight aggregate for concrete produced out of waste and by-products. It is a game-changer for the construction industry, which currently makes up to 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. The product works by making traditional carbon-intensive blocks carbon-zero, thereby reducing their environmental impact.

CEO and Co-Founder Dr Natasha Boulding said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be nominated and now to be through to the final stages in this competition. It is such an honour to be included alongside such pioneering organisations and individuals who are engaged in truly astounding environmental initiatives.

“To have our low-carbon, waste-based building material recognised as a formidable solution that can be scaled to reverse environmental damage and to better protect the environment is truly game-changing. This is real independent verification from the highest authority that our product has the potential to help fix our planet.”

Dr Natasha Boulding and her team (Image: Press release)

Prince William, who founded the Earthshot Prize with The Royal Foundation in 2020, said: “The innovators, leaders, and visionaries that make up our 2022 Earthshot Finalists prove there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of our planet. They are directing their time, energy, and talent towards bold solutions with the power to not only solve our planet’s greatest environmental challenges, but to create healthier, more prosperous, and more sustainable communities for generations to come.

"I am so excited to celebrate these fifteen Finalists and see the five Winners of The Earthshot Prize announced in Boston – the hometown of President John F. Kennedy, who shared The Earthshot Prize’s belief that seemingly impossible goals are within reach if we only harness the limitless power of innovation, human ingenuity, and urgent optimism.”

The Prince of Wales announces the shortlist (Image: PA)

In addition to their eligibility for the £1 million prize, all finalists will receive tailored support and resources from The Earthshot Prize Global Alliance Members, an unprecedented network of private sector businesses around the world committed to helping scale innovative climate and environmental solutions and multiplying their impact.

The five Winners will be selected by The Earthshot Prize Council, a diverse team of influential individuals committed to using their platforms to champion inspiring leadership and elevate urgent efforts to repair and regenerate the planet.

The Earthshot Prize Council Members include: HRH Prince William, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Cate Blanchett, Daniel Alves Da Silva, Sir David Attenborough, Ernest Gibson, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Jack Ma, Shakira Mebarak, Yao Ming, Luisa Neubauer, Indra Nooyi, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Naoko Yamazaki.

The fifteen Finalists were assessed on their potential to create game-changing impact around the world, and their ability to help reach the Earthshot challenges while positively impacting people, communities, and the natural world.

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