NIE Networks has been named the Overall Sustainability Champion of the Year at the 2026 All-Ireland Sustainability Awards, held in Belfast on 1 October as part of the All-Ireland Festival of Sustainable Impact.
The group, which operates the transmission and distribution infrastructure in Northern Ireland, was acknowledged for the ‘sheer diversity of sustainability projects’ it champions, both internally and externally, and was one of a myriad of winners at the event, with Foyle Food Group, Ulster Wildlife, Ethos Engineering, Foodsight, Ionic Technologies and Fish City among those also receiving honours.
“This award reflects the commitment of colleagues right across NIE Networks, who are driving meaningful sustainability outcomes through innovation and partnerships,” commented Judy McElroy, head of sustainability and environment at NIE Networks.
“We hope our work continues to strengthen the resilience of Northern Ireland’s electricity network, enhance biodiversity, and support the communities and customers that we serve every day.”
Smarter Business Through Sustainability
More than 300 representatives from organisations across Ireland gathered in Belfast for the first All-Ireland Festival of Sustainable Impact, which combined the annual summit of All-Ireland Sustainability with the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards and featured the theme ‘Smarter Business Through Sustainability’.
Opening the event, Northern Ireland’s Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir said collaboration between government and different sectors was essential to supporting economic development while improving sustainability.
“The message behind today’s theme is clear: sustainability is not a barrier to business success. It is increasingly one of its foundations,” he commented. “By working together, we can build a more efficient, resilient and sustainable economy while supporting jobs, protecting our natural environment and strengthening competitiveness for future generations.”
Sessions during the day included a panel discussion on understanding sustainability-related risks, opportunities and competitive advantage, featuring representatives from Danske Bank, Carbonfit, Business in the Community Northern Ireland and EY.
Elsewhere, Declan Gorman of Ground Control took part in a fireside discussion on incorporating biodiversity into sustainability plans, Steve Watson, director of policy and research at Cushon, discussed the role of workplace pensions in sustainable investment, and a series of workshops addressed topics including waste management, sustainable impact and decarbonisation. SustainabilityOnline was a media partner for the event. Read more here.
2026 All-Ireland Sustainability Awards Winners
| Award Category | Winner | Highly Commended |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production Award sponsored by Impact Communications |
Foyle Food Group | Ballykilcavan Brewing Company |
| Biodiversity Initiative of the Year sponsored by Ground Control |
Ulster Wildlife | Heron Manufacture Ltd, t/a Promould |
| Sustainability Consultancy of the Year sponsored by Triterra |
Ethos Engineering | Responsible Plastic Management (RPM) Program |
| Energy Project of the Year sponsored by NIE Networks |
Activ8 Energies in partnership w SSE Airtricity Energy Services for Monaghan County Council | 3T Power |
| Sustainable Product Innovation Award (New) sponsored by ProfileTree |
Foodsight | KINTO Join |
| Social Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year sponsored by McCormick Landscapes |
Spraoi agus Spórt |
|
| Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative of the Year sponsored by International Synergies |
Ionic Technologies |
|
| Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Initiative of the Year sponsored by Visit Belfast |
Fish City | Ballykilcavan Brewing Company |
| Young Changemaker of the Year | Kayleigh-Ann Myles, Lawler Sustainability & STPS | Aoibhín Nolan, Spraoi agus Spórt |
| Green Legacy Award sponsored by Encirc |
Bob Salisbury, The Field of Dreams | Laura McMahon, Lawler Sustainability |
| Education for Sustainability Award sponsored by 2b:creative |
Geological Survey of Northern Ireland |
|
| One to Watch sponsored by Green Partner |
Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, Michael MacKenzie | TSL Projects |
| Green Marketing / Stakeholder Engagement Initiative of the Year sponsored by MAD Colour |
GeoEnergy NI — Department for the Economy | Electric Ireland |
| Climate Adaptation & Resilience Award sponsored by Department for the Economy |
NIE Networks | GAP Ireland |
| Net Zero Initiative of the Year sponsored by Danske Bank |
Mannok | Ionic Technologies |
| Waste Resource Management & Circular Economy sponsored by Chartered Institution of Wastes Management |
South Dublin Surgical Hub, under the governance of St James’ Hospital | Heron Manufacture Limited Ltd, t/a Promould |
| Overall Sustainability Champion of the Year | NIE Networks |
