The UK’s leading standard-setting body has published a new modern methods of construction (MMC) specification for residential developments.
The British Standards Institution’s (BSI) PAS 8700:2025 is the first PAS to set out comprehensive requirements and processes for the deployment of MMC in residential building projects.
In 2023, the government commissioned BSI to draft a new technical standard setting technical recommendations when building homes, using a range of MMC categories and defining quality assurance and compliance processes for the industry.
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. It covers entire building systems and individual elements
The standard includes provisions for the industry on the consistent application of MMC throughout all project phases, from design and manufacturing to assembly, maintenance, adaptation and end-of-life considerations.
Unifying fragmented practices
BSI said it aligns with existing technical regulations and accreditation schemes, avoiding duplication and unifying fragmented practices into a clear, accessible specification.
The PAS was developed in collaboration with a range of organisations and government bodies and organisations across architecture, construction, fire safety, insurance, legal and research.
These include the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities; the Health and Safety Executive; the Building Safety Regulator; the Association of British Insurers; RIBA; RICS; the National Fire Chiefs Council and others.
Scott Steedman, director-general of standards at BSI, said: “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.”
