The American Institute of Steel Construction's draft quality management system standard for structural steel erectors, AISC 206-13, is out for public comment until March 4. The document provides guidance for establishing and maintaining quality management and safety management systems.

The draft standard can be downloaded at www.aisc.org/erectorstandardPR1. A paper copy can also be requested for a fee of $15 by contacting Janet Cummins at 312.670.5411 or by e-mailing cummins@aisc.org. Comments can be submitted online at www.aisc.org/erectorstandardPR1.

In another arena, the American National Standards Institute has approved the 2012 version of the International Code Council's ICC 700 National Green Building Standard. ICC 700, first published in 2009, is the first and only residential green building rating system to undergo the full consensus process and receive ANSI approval, says ICC.

The updated version raises the bar on energy efficiency requirements, says ICC and the National Association of Homebuilders, which was involved in the project. It also changes the way renovations and remodeling projects are treated under the standard. The new version uses the 2099 International Conservation Code, instead of the 2006 version. The requirements of the 2009 IECC are estimated to result in the use of 15% less energy.

The new version also revamps the scoring for renovations and remodeling projects. One new chapter provides criteria for entire buildings and includes requirements for improved energy and water efficiency that increases as higher levels of compliance are sought, says ICC. The second provides a green protocol for the most common renovation and addition projects that focus on functional areas of a home such as a kitchen, bathroom, basement, or addition under 400 sq ft.

The standard also has new incentives for development and lot design: The 2012 ICC 700 includes the addition of a new scoring opportunity for those choosing the build lots in green communities, says ICC. In the new version, six points can be earned in the lot design, preparation and development chapter for choosing lots in developments that have been certified to ICC 700 or an equivalent program. In the previous version of the standard no such incentives were provided.

To order the standard from ICC, visit www.iccsafe.org/700_2012_NR, or call 800-786-4452.