School Infrastructure Standards

The EFSG is sorted by topics or building elements

• Familiarise yourself with our design philosophy, our vision and goals behind the design standards in Part A.
• Identify how many of each spaces are required in your project in Part B.
  • Choose between new builds and refurbishment.
  • Search through schedule of accommodation or gaps analysis.
• Navigate by school types and building types in Part C.
  • Search for hub layout, room data sheets and design components.
  • Click above the hub type to open and download the representative BIM pdf model.
• Navigate by topics in Part D. 
  • Browse through relevant topics e.g. Services → Ventilation 
  • Search by key terms for example: “roof safety mesh”, “outdoor air”, “PV solar”

The EFSG team provides standards clarification support only.

We can:

• help you locate requirements within EFSG Parts A–D
• point you to the relevant section, clause, data sheet or Pattern Book reference
• clarify which EFSG version applies based on business case approval date
• receive feedback that may inform future EFSG updates including:
  • unclear wording
  • gaps in coverage
  • critical errors or omissions.

The EFSG team maintains the standards but does not provide design or project advice.

Yes. The EFSG is regularly updated to improve how school facilities are planned, designed and delivered in NSW.

The standards are grounded in current educational research and practice. They support collaborative learning, flexibility, wellbeing, and digital integration aligning physical environments with how students learn today and into the future.

The current EFSG provides the technical design, spatial and functional requirements, and standardised design components for school infrastructure projects. These standards help create safe, inclusive, functional and future-focused learning environments, while supporting consistency and equity across projects. 

The EFSG is maintained by the NSW Department of Education for use by project teams involved in school infrastructure planning, design, delivery and maintenance.  

The EFSG follows a live learning model, so updates may be issued through future releases to reflect changing priorities, sector feedback and lessons learned. Pattern Book content will also continue to evolve over time. Project teams should confirm they are using the correct version for their project.

The school’s Asset Management Unit (AMU) should be the first point of contact. The AMU understands:

• site history
• funding pathways
• project scope
• operational constraints.
  
  

AMU can confirm whether an issue is:

• operational

• maintenance-related

• within project scope

• or genuinely an EFSG standards clarification issue.

Only standards interpretation or content issues should be escalated to the EFSG support channel

No.

The EFSG website support team and School Infrastructure design teams:

• do not approve products

• do not recommend suppliers 

• do not participate in tendering or procurement decisions.

For information on prequalified suppliers and procurement pathways, visit the NSW Government Buy.NSW website or contact the Department’s Supplier Relationship team ProcurementSRM@det.nsw.edu.au .

We can:

• confirm where the requirement is located

• restate the wording of the clause.

We cannot: 

• interpret how it applies to your specific design or site

• provide compliance advice.

Project teams are responsible for interpreting requirements in accordance with the NCC, Australian Standards and relevant legislation.

Where EFSG does not provide specific guidance, project teams should refer to:

• the National Construction Code (NCC)

• relevant Australian Standards

• statutory planning and building controls  

• project governance processes.

Compliance with the NCC and relevant Australian Standards is mandatory. The EFSG is designed to complement the NCC, DDA, and sustainability frameworks like Green Star and NABERS. These must be met alongside EFSG requirements to ensure holistic compliance.

Where conflicts occur, current legislation and statutory standards prevail, including:

• the National Construction Code (Building Code of Australia) 

• Australian Standards

• NSW planning legislation and policies.

The EFSG forms part of the contractual requirements for the design and delivery of school infrastructure projects commissioned by School Infrastructure, Department of Education. Adherence to the EFSG is mandatory and constitutes a legal obligation for all engaged parties. 

The applicable EFSG version is determined by the date the project business case was approved.

• EFSG 2026 applies to projects with business cases (or funding) approved after 8 September 2026 

• EFSG 2025 applies to projects with business cases (or funding) approved from 1 July 2025  - 7 September 2026

• EFSG 2.0 applies to projects approved between 31 March 2023 and 30 June 2025

• EFSG 1.0 applies to projects before 31 March 2023

It is the responsibility of project teams to confirm the relevant version with SI and seek clarification where uncertainty exists. 

Project teams can confirm the applicable version with School Infrastructure if there is any uncertainty.

SI accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or claim arising from the misapplication, outdated referencing, or misinterpretation of EFSG content. Users must ensure they are working from the correct version and confirm any ambiguities directly with SI. 

Yes.

Alternative solutions may be proposed where they demonstrate:

• equivalent or better performance

• value for money 

• whole-of-life cost effectiveness

• maintainability and durability suitable for school use.

Any departure from EFSG requirements shall be supported by clear justification and evidence. The departure is submitted to your project team following the formal departure process.