Achieving net zero is one of the biggest challenges facing the highways sector, but it also presents one of its greatest opportunities. Across the UK, organisations are delivering innovative projects that reduce carbon emissions, embrace sustainable practices and help create a greener future for our roads and communities.
The 2026 DfT Special Recognition Awards are your opportunity to showcase that work, celebrate your achievements and gain recognition from across the sector when the winners are announced at Strictly Highways 2026.
Could your project be recognised for the difference it’s making?
Net Zero Project of the Year Award
Sponsored by Galliford Try
The DfT Special Recognition Awards shine a spotlight on the projects and partnerships driving meaningful environmental change in the highways sector. The Net Zero Project of the Year Award, sponsored by Galliford Try, recognises an outstanding innovation project delivered by an organisation or partnership that has advanced decarbonisation in the highways sector.
Projects should demonstrate measurable contributions through carbon reduction through a whole lifecycle approach, sustainable materials and construction techniques, renewable energy, reduced environmental impacts and sector-wide collaboration.
Whether you’ve implemented low-carbon materials, developed greener construction practices, or introduced a project that delivers measurable environmental benefits, this award celebrates the initiatives that are helping the sector accelerate decarbonisation and achieve its net zero ambitions.
Last year’s winner, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, was recognised for its Live Labs 2 – Decarbonising Streetlighting project. Delivered in partnership with ten local authorities and funded by the Department for Transport through ADEPT, the project is helping redefine how the UK approaches sustainable streetlighting.
The judges said:
“We were particularly impressed by the Council’s willingness to challenge the whole system and not just consider a single product or approach. It is clear that the project is extremely relevant to all local authorities, and the team are building a network to amplify and spread the good work that is being done.”
If your organisation has delivered an innovative project that’s advancing decarbonisation across the highways sector, we’d love to hear about it.
Why Enter?
The DfT Special Recognition Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the work you’re proud of, recognise the people behind it and share your achievements with colleagues from across the highways sector.
- National recognition for your sustainability achievements.
- Free to enter, with the opportunity to showcase your organisation on a national stage.
- Raise your profile and celebrate your team.
Deadline to enter: 21 August 2026 at 5pm
Find out more and submit your entry today
If your organisation is delivering projects that reduce carbon emissions, improve sustainability and advance decarbonisation, we’d encourage you to put your project forward.
The awards will be presented during Strictly Highways 2026, bringing together the highways community to celebrate the outstanding people, projects and innovations shaping the future of our sector.