The European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)<br> <br> The European parliament (EP) and European commission (EC) are continuing their discussions over the EP’s proposed changes to energy standards within the EPBD. It is still hoped that a compromise will be reached by December in time for the Copenhagen climate summit. John Slaughter, director of external affairs, commented: “The key concern here is that the Directive should not cut across the UK’s industry’s work on zero carbon. These are important negotiations.” Industry fears that the changes, which would mean all European buildings being built to net zero carbon by 2019 with onsite technology, are too stringent. HBF is continuing to represent its views through the UK government, CLG and its European trade association, the UEPC. “There still remains a possibility for agreement by the end of the year,” Slaughter continued. “The directive has key implications for the industry.”<br> <br> NEXT KEY DATE: An agreement on the revised changes to the EPBD could be reached by December<br> <br>Feed-in tariff campaign<br> <br> The government’s consultation on renewable electricity financial incentives, of which a feed-in tariff (FIT) for solar photovoltaics and other technologies is part, closed on October 15. The proposed feed-in tariff, …