Transport Infrastructure Ireland claimed both the Environmental Engineering Project of the Year and the Sustainability Award at the Engineering Excellence Awards 2025, recognised last year for a Carbon Reduction pilot on the M7 that tested new road materials, extended emissions accounting to include Scope 3, and drove meaningful cultural change across contractor and state project teams.

The centrepiece of Transport Infrastructure Ireland's submission was a pilot that challenged the assumptions and tools typically applied to infrastructure sustainability. 

The initiative tested new road materials and extended its emissions accounting to include Scope 3. Moreover, the cultural dimension of the project was as significant as its technical achievements.

Judges were clear on the significance of both wins. On the Environmental Engineering Project of the Year, the panel stated: "By testing new materials and including Scope 3 emissions, the [Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s] initiative combined innovation with tangible environmental impact."

On the Sustainability Award, judges added: "Their bold use of the CO₂ performance ladder and challenge to conventional measurement tools showed clear commitment to measurable results. This entrant set a benchmark for sustainability and culture change across future infrastructure projects."

The double recognition reflects the standard the Engineering Excellence Awards apply to environmental and sustainability entries. Together, the two awards position Transport Infrastructure Ireland's M7 pilot as a replicable model for public bodies seeking to bring genuine carbon accountability into mainstream infrastructure delivery.

As the Engineering Excellence Awards 2026 draws near, the challenge for Ireland's infrastructure and engineering community is evident: who will take this standard further and embed carbon reduction thinking into every phase of national infrastructure planning and delivery?

Visit the official website to explore last year's winners, review category details, and subscribe to the newsletter for insights and event updates.