Infrastructure design standards

All contractors and consultants are required to adhere to the Charles Sturt's Infrastructure Design Standards when designing and performing work on university campuses.

These standards outline the minimum requirements for the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings, facilities, spaces, services, and infrastructure at the university.

All standards are in PDF format.

Refer to this document for

  • University overview
  • General design philosophies and universal requirements for construction projects
  • Campus master planning and strategic infrastructure guidelines
  • Work Health and Safety procedures and standards
  • Sustainability and environmental standards for project design and management
  • Risk management and incident reporting protocols
  • Integration of equity, diversity, inclusion, and First Nations reconciliation in facilities design
  • Compliance with federal and state legislation, standards, and codes of practice​

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Refer to this document for

  • Active transport standards
  • Path design guidelines for pedestrians and cyclists
  • Bus stop placement and design standards
  • Bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities
  • Compliance with Australian accessibility and transportation standards​

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Refer to this document for

  • Acoustic standards for new and refurbishment projects
  • Guidelines for sound insulation, impact noise control, and room acoustics
  • Criteria for managing internal noise levels and reverberation times
  • Vibration control for sensitive equipment
  • Acoustic design requirements for specialized spaces (e.g., lecture halls, studios, laboratories)​

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Refer to this document for

  • Building automation systems
  • Preferred system suppliers
  • Guidelines for the design of BMS/DCC controls, including the scope, and minimum provisions of hardware, software, controls, power, alarms and wiring.
  • Optimal provision of BMS systems
  • Testing and commission standards
  • Supporting resources such as operation and maintenance manuals, drawings, and training.
  • Defects
  • Routine servicing

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Refer to this document for

  • High voltage network management standards (Bathurst and Wagga Wagga campuses)
  • Lighting system requirements for each campus
  • Installation and placement guidelines for residual current devices (RCDs)
  • Standards for electrical and data outlet positioning in office fit-outs
  • Occupancy sensor and timeclock specifications
  • Certification and compliance for electrical work
  • Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) management​

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Refer to this document for

  • Electricity, gas and water meters
  • Information technology integration
  • Supporting legislation, codes of practice and supporting standards

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Refer to this document for

  • Human-centered and flexible design standards
  • Ergonomic design principles for academic, research, and office spaces
  • Safe design and hazard mitigation guidelines
  • Stakeholder engagement processes for ergonomic assessments
  • Integration of smart infrastructure and adaptive technology in university facilities
  • Accessibility and inclusive design for diverse populations
  • Ergonomics training and post-occupancy evaluation protocols

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Refer to this document for

  • Fire detection and safety systems standards
  • Installation and maintenance guidelines for fire sprinklers, hydrants, and hose reels
  • Certification and compliance procedures for fire safety systems
  • Requirements for emergency and security lighting
  • Evacuation diagram specifications and statutory signage
  • Passive fire suppression and specialised fire extinguishing systems guidelines​

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Refer to this document for

  • Flooring specifications for carpet, vinyl, ceramic, timber, and alternative finishes
  • Requirements for food prep, wet areas, and lab flooring
  • Guidelines on epoxy and polyurethane coatings for durability
  • Standards for glass partitions, privacy, and window treatments

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Refer to this document for

  • Heritage and cultural preservation standards
  • Application of the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter in project planning
  • Legal and regulatory framework for heritage asset management
  • Cultural Heritage Management Planning and stakeholder engagement
  • Heritage impact assessments and conservation strategies
  • Adaptive reuse and sustainability in heritage projects

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Refer to this document for

  • Hydraulic design and installation standards
  • Freshwater supply, water pumps, and potable hot water system guidelines
  • Sewer and stormwater reticulation systems specifications
  • Water efficiency standards and sustainability initiatives
  • Alternative water systems like greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting
  • Preventative maintenance plans and system audits for hydraulic infrastructure
  • Fire water supply and pressure testing protocols

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Refer to this document for

  • Requirements for data network cabling, network control systems, audio-visual (AV) systems, and video conferencing (VC) systems
  • Procedures for consultation with the Division of Information Technology (DIT) to integrate IT systems during design and construction
  • IT infrastructure design principles, focusing on scalability, adaptability, and sustainability
  • Specifications for installation of communications rooms, data and power distribution, and network connectivity
  • AV and VC system placement, lighting, and equipment setup
  • Documentation, testing, and certification requirements for IT installations
  • Submission and approval process for as-constructed drawings of IT infrastructure​

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Refer to this document for

  • Guidelines for sustainable and efficient irrigation water supply, including the use of groundwater, water harvesting, and non-potable water sources
  • Standards for irrigation pipework, including specifications for PVC, PE piping, and allowable pipe velocity
  • Irrigation equipment requirements, such as sprinkler layout design, water efficiency, and uniformity of distribution
  • Design considerations for large-scale irrigation systems, including pump selection and performance criteria
  • Site preparation and trenching requirements for irrigation installations, ensuring proper depth and protection of pipes
  • Testing, commissioning, and maintenance procedures for irrigation systems, including flow tests, pressure checks, and operational training
  • Irrigation controller specifications, focusing on multi-zone control, weather-based adjustments, and smart technologies for optimal water usage
  • Compliance with relevant Australian standards, health regulations, and environmental code

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Refer to this document for

  • Compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) Part J5 for air-conditioning and ventilation systems
  • Guidelines for achieving energy efficiency and acceptable comfort conditions in mechanical systems
  • Requirements for selecting mechanical plant equipment based on life cycle analysis and sustainability
  • Special considerations for temperature-sensitive areas, such as DIT communication rooms and research facilities
  • Integration of Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Building Management Information Systems (BMIS) into mechanical systems
  • Procedures for equipment installation, maintenance access, and adherence to AS 3666 standards
  • Key requirements for mechanical system modifications, plant upgrades, and equipment reuse
  • Energy consumption analysis and cost-benefit planning for mechanical solutions
  • Sustainable design considerations aligned with the University's Clean Energy Strategy 2030
  • Ventilation rates, BMIS alarm integration, and warranties for mechanical installations

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Refer to this document for

  • Roof access safety obligations and legal requirements
  • Hierarchy of controls for preventing falls from heights
  • Roof access authorization and approval processes
  • Training and certification requirements for height safety systems
  • Risk assessment procedures and use of Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
  • Maintenance and inspection schedules for height safety systems
  • Design standards for roof access systems, including stairs, walkways, and ladders
  • Compliance with Australian standards and relevant codes of practice for working at heights​

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Refer to this document for

  • Termite protection systems and compliance with NCC regulations
  • Guidelines for sealing external areas to prevent vermin intrusion
  • Requirements for floor and wall penetration sealing to reduce rodent and insect ingress
  • Animal pest control practices, including sanitation and structural integrity
  • Use of chemical and physical barriers for vermin and pest control
  • Regulatory requirements for pesticide use and notification
  • Compliance with relevant Australian standards, including AS 3660 for termite management

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Refer to this document for

  • Essential systems design and integration for security, access control, and surveillance
  • Certification requirements for contractors and security technicians, including Gallagher, Aperio, Avigilon Alta, and Salto systems
  • Procedures for compliance with Australian standards, university policies, and legislative requirements
  • Risk management and the application of security measures based on space usage, such as public, authorized, and restricted zones
  • Guidelines for project officers on essential system standards, project documentation, and coordination with the Custodian
  • Installation and cabling standards for access control, CCTV, alarms, and other essential systems
  • Maintenance protocols, defects liability period (DLP), and testing requirements for essential system components
  • Lifecycle management, including planned replacements, preventative maintenance, and fault reporting

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Refer to this document for

  • University signage guidelines and corporate branding requirements
  • Wayfinding principles and signage placement strategies
  • Compliance with accessibility standards, including Braille and tactile signage
  • Statutory and regulatory signage requirements for safety and emergency
  • Integration of digital signage and technological elements
  • Sustainability practices in signage materials, energy efficiency, and durability
  • Guidelines for construction signage, including temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent signs
  • Requirements for third-party signage, including co-branding and size restrictions

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Refer to this document for

  • The University's commitment to sustainability through ecological sustainable design.
  • Guidelines for ESD application in construction and refurbishment projects.
  • Classification of projects by scale: Flagship, Major, and Minor.
  • Key sustainability initiatives across energy, water, materials, and community.
  • Ensuring compliance with standards and adapting to evolving practice.

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Refer to this document for

  • Guidelines for office waste, including recycling systems and landfill waste
  • Specifications for waste collection facilities (internal and external)
  • Central and public recycling stations setup and management
  • Battery recycling programs and disposal processes
  • Disposal procedures for bulky waste (e.g., furniture) and e-waste
  • Trade waste management and compliance requirements
  • Laboratory and clinical waste management and regulatory guidelines
  • Construction waste management practices, including pre-construction planning, demolition, and reporting requirements
  • Compliance with relevant local, state, and federal waste management legislation and standards​

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Refer to this document for

  • Specifications for asset data, including the use of WebFM for asset management
  • Space data schedule requirements, including room information and TEFMA categories
  • CAD data protocols, including AutoCAD requirements and layering standards
  • Geospatial, spatial, and survey data standards for campus planning
  • Site evacuation diagrams and photography standards (architectural, wayfinding, and aerial)
  • Specifications for repeat photography and 360-degree spherical imagery​

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Refer to this document for

  • Commissioning protocols and reports
  • Inspection and startup procedures
  • Circuit protection and controls
  • Completion tests and certification
  • Handover process and practical completion criteria
  • Building manuals structure (Design, Development, O&M, User)
  • Training for facility operation and maintenance
  • Maintenance program requirements
  • Relevant standards and compliance documentation

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