The British Standards Institution (BSI) has published a new specification on modern methods of construction (MMC) for residential developments
Published on 30 April 2025, PAS 8700:2025 Modern methods of construction for new-build residential properties – Specification sets out “comprehensive requirements and processes for the deployment of MMC in residential building projects”.
Described by BSI as a “groundbreaking standard” for MMC, the new standard is intended to support all stakeholders, including designers, manufacturers, developers, lenders, insurers, and regulators, with the aim of building confidence and providing a “unified framework for delivering safe, durable, and efficient new homes using MMC”.
As BSI explains: “PAS 8700:2025 is the first standard specifically designed to define the effective use of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) and MMC in residential building projects, encompassing both entire building systems and individual elements.
“It provides provisions for the sector on the consistent application of MMC throughout all project phases—from design and manufacturing to assembly, maintenance, adaptation, and end-of-life considerations.
“The standard aligns with existing technical regulations and accreditation schemes, avoiding duplication and unifying fragmented practices into a clear, accessible specification.”
BSI believes that effective deployment of MMC can bring multiple benefits to building projects, including “cost and timescale certainty, improved productivity, material efficiency, reduced labour, and overcoming skills shortages”. It could also enable better quality control, faster delivery, sustainable use of materials, and more.
As Scott Steedman, Director – General, Standards at BSI, explains: “The built environment sector has a pivotal role to play in our future economy. Adopting modern methods of construction can help it to embrace innovation while ensuring safety, durability, and efficiency, ultimately transforming the way homes are built and maintained.
“This new specification provides a clear, unified framework for the adoption of MMC, which can help to accelerate the development of agile, resilient supply chains for the sector and the delivery of higher quality, new-build housing programmes across the UK."
As reported by Construction Management Magazine, the new MMC standard was developed in collaboration with the likes of the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG), the Health and Safety Executive, the Building Safety Regulator, and the Association of British Insurers (ABI). Expertise was also sought from RIBA, RICS, the National Fire Chiefs Council, and the University of Salford.
More information about PAS 8700:2025 can be found here.