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Built environment design standards at TAFE NSW
TAFE NSW’s design standards guide all building projects. They support practical, inclusive and sustainable design that meets training and business needs. This helps create high‑quality learning spaces for vocational education.
These standards apply to all new builds and upgrades.
Building design standards
Learning support spaces
Revision B — 7 October 2022
Quality spaces for learner activities outside of scheduled classes. Design strategies for libraries, student commons and informal learning spaces.
Multi Trades Hub
Revision C — 29 July 2022
Requirements to build flexible, adaptable training hubs for various trades. They must meet evolving industry skills and needs.
Signage and wayfinding
Revision A — 6 June 2023
Comprehensive guide to the planning, design and implementation of wayfinding strategies. This documentation covers interior and exterior fixed signage.
Accessibility and dignity
Revision B — 3 October 2024
TAFE NSW’s commitment to create inclusive campuses for all includes advice on design aspects to improve accessibility and respect.
Equipment design standards
Furniture
Revision C — 5 November 2021
TAFE NSW's principles for selecting standard furniture includes design strategies and performance requirements.
Vertical transport
Revision B — 31 August 2022
Setting design and performance requirements for new lifts in TAFE NSW facilities, including passenger and goods lifts.
Welding bay
Revision B — 13 September 2022
Design and construction requirements and services for new welding and demonstration bays across all TAFE NSW facilities.
Electric vehicle charging station
Revision A — 25 February 2025
Design, specification and installation requirements for EV charging stations for fleet vehicles and general vehicles.
Services design standards
Electrical services
Revision C — 17 December 2021
TAFE NSW best practice requirements for electrical supply, photovoltaics, circuit protection and energy management systems.
Hydraulic services
Revision E — 4 November 2022
Guidelines for planning, designing, constructing and commissioning hydraulic services. Includes all technical sections, and Work Health and Safety.
Lighting services
Revision C — 10 December 2022
New and upgraded lighting services across TAFE NSW facilities. Includes luminaires, interior and exterior systems, control systems and more.
Mechanical services
Revision D — 6 December 2022
Planning, design, operation and maintenance of mechanical services. Includes heating, ventilation, A/C, extraction, smoke management, and more.
Smart campus
Revision D — 19 August 2022
Connected technologies for a smart campus ecosystem at TAFE NSW facilities. The revision involves guidance on planning and designing smart campus systems.
Review of Environmental Factors (REFs)
REFs are an assessment. They determine the impacts of a development activity by a public authority. It looks at an activity's possible environmental effects. It aims to reduce those impacts.
TAFE NSW prepare REFs under part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (1979).
Environmental planning regulations require environmental assessment documentation to be publicly available for projects that:
- are considered in the community interests.
- have a capital investment value greater than $5 million
- require certain permits, including from:
- Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries)
- Heritage NSW
- National Parks and Wildlife Service
- Environmental Protection Authority.
Current REFs
Review of Environmental Factors, TAFE NSW Wyong Campus - 22 August 2023