Durham University spin-out, Low Carbon Materials (LCM), has been named as one of three international finalists in the Fix Our Climate category, in the world’s most prestigious environmental prize, The Earthshot Prize, 2022.
All 15 Earthshot Prize finalists announced by HRH Prince William today, 4 November, are recognised as an accomplished group of entrepreneurs and innovators spearheading groundbreaking solutions to the biggest environmental challenges our planet faces.
Set up by three young scientists, LCM is shaping the green construction sector with its science-based, lower carbon, new-age building material OSTO.
OSTO is a carbon-negative lightweight aggregate for concrete produced out of waste and
by-products. The product works by making traditional carbon-intensive blocks carbon-zero, thereby reducing their environmental impact.
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.”
LCM is led by CEO and Co-Founder Dr Natasha Boulding, who commented: “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.”
Northern Accelerator is proud to have supported CEO Natasha Boulding and LCM in their journey from university research to a growing spin-out business. Natasha participated in our first Future Founder’s course, developing her skills to lead the business. The team also benefitted from support through our Executives into Business programme, and were awarded funding from Northern Accelerator’s pre-incorporation funds and then our seed fund.
Read more about the Earthshot prize on LCM’s website here
