National Government is incentivising advanced and modern methods of construction as a means of modernising the construction sector. Building regulations will change in 2025 and further change is likely in the future.
In relation to construction skills, National Government has recognised the need to promote Advanced Methods of Construction (AMC) and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) as a way of establishing a more productive and sustainable industry model since the Housing White Paper of 2017. This has been most clearly articulated in the 2021-2026 Affordable Homes Programme which sets mandated minimum levels of Modern Methods of Construction on supported projects including those with Homes England's Strategic Partners. Homes England reaffirmed this commitment in its latest 2023 – 2028 Strategic Plan which includes Key Performance Indicators for MMC and Sustainability Performance, including targets for both operational and embodied carbon.
In relation to sustainability, Government has recognised the inevitability of having to regulate the industry's decarbonisation journey, starting with operational carbon via the Future Homes Standard which will be introduced in 2025. While Government has not yet signalled the regulation of embodied carbon, there is increasing parliamentary receptiveness and lobbying momentum through the Part Z campaign. The perception in industry is that embodied carbon will also eventually be regulated, bringing the UK into line with several other countries including the Netherlands, France, Finland and Denmark.
At present, Government has not connected advanced or modern methods of construction with decarbonisation through policy or regulation, preferring to allow industry to develop its own solution, but there are clear signs that there will be policy shifts in future. Through making this link, WMCA sets itself apart not only from government, but also from other regional authorities.