PAS 1401:2025 – Advancing Nature-Inclusive Design in Marine Infrastructure

17/06/2025

With the increasing emphasis on sustainable infrastructure, the integration of biodiversity considerations into marine development has become an urgent priority across both public and private sectors.

In response, PAS 1401:2025 – Nature-Inclusive Marine Structures. Code of Practice has been introduced to provide structured guidance on specifying, installing, maintaining, and responsibly decommissioning marine infrastructure in ways that actively support and enhance marine biodiversity.

About PAS 1401:2025

Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders and launched in early 2025, PAS 1401 provides a clear framework for embedding ecological principles within marine engineering. The standard empowers developers, designers, and assessors to incorporate biodiversity considerations confidently and consistently.

PAS 1401 supports:

Developers and Engineers – by offering clarity on biodiversity-integrated design in offshore and nearshore environments.
Procurement and Regulatory Bodies – by providing a benchmark for sustainable, nature-inclusive marine projects.
Environmental Auditors and Certification Professionals – by enabling measurable evaluation of ecological performance in marine structures.

Driving Consistency Through Standardisation

Historically, a lack of standardisation has hindered effective implementation of Nature-Inclusive Design (NID) in marine settings. Without consistent benchmarks, the risk of fragmented practices and unsubstantiated environmental claims increases.

PAS 1401 directly addresses these concerns through:

A standardised definition of nature-inclusive design and its underlying principles.
Practical recommendations for measuring, monitoring, and verifying the ecological impacts of marine infrastructure over time.

Alignment with National Environmental Goals

PAS 1401 is particularly timely given the UK's national infrastructure and sustainability strategies, including:

Clean Power by 2030 – Supporting renewable energy development through ecologically sensitive offshore wind projects.
Offshore Wind Expansion – Ensuring developments contribute to habitat enhancement, not degradation.
Nature Recovery Commitments – Promoting marine infrastructure that restores and protects biodiversity.

Applications Across Marine Infrastructure

The principles and guidance set out in PAS 1401 are applicable to a wide range of marine projects, such as:

Offshore Wind Farms – Enhancing turbine bases and subsea structures with features that support marine life.
Coastal Defence Systems – Designing seawalls, breakwaters, and groynes with biodiversity outcomes in mind.
Erosion Protection Works – Incorporating habitat-friendly designs in shoreline stabilisation.
Undersea Cable Routes – Reducing disruption to seabed ecosystems through considerate installation techniques.
Mooring and Anchoring Systems – Minimising ecological disturbance through innovative mooring solutions.

Why PAS 1401 Matters for TIC Professionals

For ITICP members engaged in testing, inspection, certification, or ecological assessment, PAS 1401 represents a critical opportunity to contribute to more accountable, transparent, and evidence-based marine infrastructure development.

By aligning project evaluation criteria with this new standard, professionals across the TIC sector can help clients demonstrate environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and sustainable practice.

Get Involved

To explore how PAS 1401:2025 can support your organisation or clients:

Download the free standard from the BSI website.
Consider partnering with BSI to help shape future standards.
Join the ITICP dialogue on emerging sustainability frameworks within the testing, inspection, and certification community.

Together, we can ensure that marine infrastructure not only meets engineering and safety demands but also supports the long-term health and resilience of the marine environment.