A standard for the design of green residential buildings, from single-family to high-rises, was approved late last month as an American National Standard. The standard, know as ICC-700, includes a rating system that lets builders, designers and communities choose the levels of performance. ICC-700 is the first and only green standard consistent and coordinated with the International Code Council’s group of I-Codes and standards, says ICC. Among its many provisions, the standard covers land conservation and rainwater collection. It even has provisions for construction of smaller homes to conserve resources. ICC is finalizing a green-building technologies certification program for building officials, inspectors, planners, zoning personnel, elected officials and developers. Exams will be available next month.