A STOCKTON firm has been named by HRH Prince William as one of 15 international finalists in a world-leading environmental competition.

Science-led construction company, Low Carbon Materials (LCM), is one of three organisations selected in the Fix Our Climate category in The Earthshot Prize, 2022.

All 15 Earthshot Prize finalists announced by HRH Prince William have been recognised as an accomplished group of entrepreneurs and innovators spearheading ground-breaking solutions to the biggest environmental challenges our planet faces.

Set up by three 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. It is a game-changer for the construction industry, which currently makes up to eight per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. 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.

"I am so excited to celebrate these 15 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."

LCM is led by chief executive officer and co-founder Dr Natasha Boulding, who 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."

In addition to their eligibility for the £1m 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.