Sustainable Transport Innovation Takes Centre Stage at National Procurement Awards 2024

Sustainable Transport Innovation Takes Centre Stage at National Procurement Awards 2024

The National Procurement Awards 2024 celebrated excellence and innovation in the procurement sector, with Belfast-based Translink claiming the Overall Excellence Award for their groundbreaking zero- emission bus fleet in Derry. Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dublin, the ceremony brought together 250 procurement professionals, showcasing exceptional work across 18 award categories.

This year’s awards reflected the evolving role of procurement, recognising achievements in sustainability, collaboration, education, and technology. Judges praised Translink for its comprehensive approach to decarbonisation, which included introducing fully zero-emission buses at both urban and rural locations. “Translink blew away our judging panel,” noted the judges, commending their strategic focus on customer satisfaction, sustainability, and innovation.

Key trends emerged during the submissions process, highlighting a shift towards value-driven procurement that considers lifecycle costs and end-user needs. “Procurement departments are no longer focused solely on cost—they’re evolving rapidly, integrating strategic collaboration, and driving innovation,” said judging coordinator Gary Mander.

Other notable winners included An Post’s Dara O’Sullivan, awarded Sustainable Procurement Champion of the Year, and Bus Éireann, commended for their circular economy project to upcycle uniforms. Meanwhile, Verizon, a platinum sponsor, reiterated the importance of such events in fostering innovation and nurturing talent within the procurement field.

To read the full story and relive the excitement of the night, visit the Irish Times article here .

Mark your calendars for 2025—we look forward to celebrating even more innovation and progress at next year’s National Procurement Awards. Will your team take home an award? Stay tuned.