Annual update to U of T building design standards
The University of Toronto reviews its building design standards each year to ensure they remain current, relevant and aligned with both university requirements and industry best practices.
This annual process involves evaluating each standard to determine whether it should be updated, archived or left unchanged. By doing this, we ensure our standards reflect the latest developments in technology, sustainability, accessibility and design excellence across the St. George campus.
Updates for 2025
The following standards have been updated this year:
- General requirements:
- Deliverable standard
- Building commissioning standard
- Caretaking design standard
- Tri-campus energy modelling standard
- Facility accessibility design standard
- Division 08 – Openings
- Door hardware design standard
- Division 14 – Conveying equipment
- Elevators design standard
- Division 22 – Plumbing and Division 23 – Heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC)
- Mechanical design standard
- Division 25 – Integrated automation
- Building automation system design standard
- Division 26 – Electrical
- Electrical design standard
- Division 28 – Electronic safety and security
- Fire alarm system design standard
- Security and access control system design standard
- Division 32 – Exterior improvements
- Landscaping design standard
View the updated design standards, appendices and forms.
Why this matters
Keeping our standards current supports high-quality, sustainable and functional spaces for the U of T community. It also ensures that all new projects meet the university’s evolving needs and reflect our commitment to design leadership.
If you have questions or feedback about the building design standards, please email standard-feedback@utoronto.ca.