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Research

Discover more about research and development projects in the world of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) led by Irish higher education institutions and other research-performing organisations. This is alongside a showcase of research activity across the country, highlighting what is being done to drive new innovation and workforce development in Irish construction.

  • Translating R&D on Innovative Building Materials from the Lab to Real Application in Construction

    Concrete production is one of the more carbon-intensive construction activities. But researchers from Trinity College Dublin are working to showcase that a lower-carbon concrete, produced with biomass ash, offers building companies a commercially viable and equally appliable alternative. How can research and development lead theory to practice and contribute to a more sustainable construction sector?
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    Group of construction workers in hi-vis vests and hard hats inspecting an outdoor facility.

  • How Can Standardising MMC Product Designs Drive New Efficiencies in Construction Developments?

    Despite the expanded use of offsite construction, Ireland still lacks publicly available, non-proprietary detail libraries for manufacturers, designers, certifiers, and regulators. The STANDARDIZE project in University College Dublin is addressing this, aiming to standardise MMC technologies for greater sector efficiency and mobility.
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    Five people seated in a semicircle having a panel discussion in an elegant, warmly lit room.
Researching and Developing the Right Concrete Products and Application Systems for 3D Construction Printing

3D construction printing is still in its earliest phase in Irish building, but research into the best-practice materials and applications of this type of Modern Method of Construction (MMC) can help increase the rate of uptake. Two researchers from the Construct Innovate unit of the University of Galway are making this happen. 

Industrial blue mechanical clamp or gripper tool shown in multiple close-up views on a workbench.
Platform4MMC: Supporting Decision-Making to Drive the Adoption of Modern Methods of Construction in Ireland

Ireland’s housing targets need to be met rapidly while achieving high sustainability standards. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) offer the opportunity to digitise the construction sector, improving project delivery speed, efficiency, and quality. 

Logo for Platform MMC featuring stacked layers graphic in gray and dark tones.
Taking MMC Research to the Construction Site and Beyond

The MMC Research Group at University College Dublin (UCD), spearheaded by Dr Daniel McCrum, is leading the innovations behind Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).  

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Research showcase

  • Cover with the title “Boosting Ireland’s Housing Supply: Modern Methods of Construction” and a NESC logo in the top left.
    Sep 2024

    Boosting Ireland’s Housing Supply: Modern Methods of Construction

    National Economic & Social Council
    This report by the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) investigates the potential of MMC to significantly boost housing supply. It highlights progress under the MMC roadmap, an important and ambitious State policy designed to achieve greater adoption of MMC in public housing delivery and the housing system more widely.
    View Report on nesc.ie
  • A digital graphic with the logos of the World Green Building Council and the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC).
    Aug 2024

    Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Renovation Trajectories in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

    Irish Green Building Council
    The publication sets out a sequence for how national governments could introduce policy measures and guidance to facilitate the successful implementation of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and renovation trajectories for European buildings, as outlined in the EPBD.
    View Report on igbc.ie
  • Cover with the title “Supporting the Circular Economy Transition in the Irish Construction Sector” on a black and teal background with curved lines.
    Jul 2024

    Supporting the Circular Economy Transition in the Irish Construction Sector

    CSG Innovation and Digital Delivery Subgroup – Sustainability and Climate Action Consultative Committee
    The purpose of this document is to set out a sectoral perspective on why the Irish construction sector needs to understand and embed circular economy principles.
    View Report on acei.ie
  • Build Digital logo beside text "Digitalisation for a Circular Economy (DiCE)" with cloud imagery.
    Mar 2024

    Digitalisation for a Circular Economy (DiCE)

    Build Digital
    The main objective of the report will focus on the opportunities to incorporate circular economy principles into construction and elaborate on a series of resources which are available for interested stakeholders. The report particularly focuses on the opportunities aligned with the increasing digitalisation of the industry and how such tools can be used to not only increase productivity but also increase circularity within the industry.
    View Report on builddigitalproject.ie
  • Graphic titled “BUSI2030 – National Upskilling Roadmap 2030 for the Built Environment,” featuring an illustration of hands holding the Earth with green buildings, wind turbines, solar panels, and birds, representing sustainability and environmental innovation.
    Mar 2024

    National Upskilling Roadmap 2030 for the Built Environment

    CIF, Irish Green Building Council, LOETB, Technological University of the Shannon
    The project’s scope is to analyse the current and future skills gaps in sustainable construction for 2030. It aims to create a National Upskilling Roadmap for Ireland to achieve its climate targets for housing, retrofitting, renewables and the decarbonisation of Ireland’s built environment.
    View Report on igbc.ie
  • Cover titled 'Homegrown C16 – Increasing the use of Irish home grown C16 timber in Housing Construction'
    Feb 2024

    Homegrown C16: Increasing the use of Irish home grown C16 timber in housing construction

    Dr Patrick McGetrick (University of Galway)
    This short project led by the Timber Engineering Research Group (TERG) at University of Galway aims to provide a summary of solutions and recommendations that can promote an increase in the use of homegrown Irish timber in housing (low and high rise) and offsite construction in Ireland.
    View Report on constructinnovate.ie