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 the process for the effective deployment of modern methods of construction (MMC) in residential development to improve stakeholder understanding and realise the benefits of MMC. As the sector has significantly evolved and matured, there is a need for greater consistency and comparability to increase the use of MMC.
This PAS has therefore been developed to provide a unified specification, which is material and technology agnostic, and to act as a coordinating document that directs readers to other technical requirements. The aim is to support the procurement, design, manufacture, construction and use of safe, resilient and repairable residential buildings that use 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.
You can find out more and download the document here.
