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[[Image:CAT Banner.gif|frame|right|One of CAT's Logos]]
[[Image:CAT Banner.gif|frame|right|One of CAT's Logos]]


The '''Centre for Alternative Technology''' (CAT) ({{lang-cy|Canolfan y Dechnoleg Amgen}}) is an [[ecology|eco]]-centre in [[Powys]], mid-[[Wales]]
The '''Centre for Alternative Technology''' (CAT) ({{lang-cy|Canolfan y Dechnoleg Amgen}}) is an [[ecology|eco]]-centre in [[Powys]], mid-[[Wales]], dedicated to demonstrating and teaching [[sustainable development]]. CAT, despite its name, no longer concentrates its efforts on [[alternative technology]], but focuses instead on general environmentalism. It is open to visitors, holds residential courses; and publishes information on [[organic farming]], gardening, and ecologically-friendly living. CAT also runs several eco-businesses, including a consultancy service and mail-order catalogue.


CAT was founded by businessman-turned-environmentalist Gerard Morgan-Grenville, and opened in 1974 in the disused [[Llwyngwern]] [[slate]] [[quarry]] near [[Machynlleth]] (once served by the narrow-gauge [[Corris Railway]]), where it occupies a seven-acre (28,000 m²) site. It is open all-year except Christmas, seven days a week.
CAT is is Europe's foremost environmental education centre with experts working on every area of ecology, energy and sustainability. CAT works tirelessly to engage, inspire,
inform and enable people from all walks of life to live sustainable lives.
Staff and residents at CAT have been living and working exclusively with
sustainable technologies and practices for over thirty years, providing a
thriving example of their practical application in a real life setting.


== Visitor Centre ==
This unparalleled dedication has resulted in CAT gaining an international
reputation as a unique centre of excellence, providing practical solutions
to global issues such as [[climate change]]. Leading by example, CAT seeks to
show that living [[sustainably]] is not only possible but can provide a better
quality of life too. CAT aims to engage people across all sectors of
society, from the general public and school pupils, who visit in their tens
of thousands, to the hundreds of businesses and thousands of adults who
attend courses up to MSc level.


In 1975 a permanent exhibition opened to explain CAT’s work and generate interest in alternative technology. Now ‘alternative’ has become mainstream and as Europe’s leading eco centre, CAT continues to demonstrate practical ways of addressing problems such as climate change, pollution and the waste of precious resources. The {{convert|40|acre|m2|adj=on}} site with {{convert|7|acre|m2}} of interactive displays attracts around 50,000 visitors a year and is the largest tourist attraction in the area.
The unique experience of living and working with the whole portfolio of
The facilities and exhibits include:
[[renewable energy]] technologies has propelled CAT to the centre of the policy
*the water-balanced CAT Funicular, a [[funicular|funicular railway]]
debate in the UK. CAT's expertise is increasingly being sought after by key
*[[solar power|solar]], [[hydro]] and [[wind power]]
decision makers within the policy making community. The [http://ZeroCarbonBritain.com ZeroCarbonBritain]
*a [[low-energy house]]
report (published by CAT in July 2007) has helped CAT to communicate
*a site-wide electricity grid powered by [[renewable energy]]
sustainable strategies at a UK government level, we are now working on the second phase of the project with further research for ZeroCarbonBritain2.
*displays of [[organic gardening]] methods

*a [[hydraulic ram]] pump
== History ==
*[[strawbale]] and [[rammed earth]] buildings
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) was founded in 1973 on the site of the disused [[Llwyngwern]] slate quarry near [[Machynlleth]], in Mid Wales.
* Britains largest green bookshop

* Vegetarian Restaurant
CAT’s founder [[Gerard Morgan-Grenville]] saw the potential of the site for "a project to show the nature of the problem and show ways of going forward." The community of idealists and problem solvers who moved here were dedicated to environmental principals and to finding [[sustainable]] solutions to energy generation. At first it was a test bed for new ideas and technologies, an ethos that has continued all through CAT’s 35 year history.
* Events, activities and courses take place throughout the year and are advertised on the website

In the beginning, progress in the quarry was slow, and the early attempts to raise money were frustrating. Volunteers worked long hours, often by candlelight - there was no electricity on the site at that time.

Liz Todd, one of the early volunteers, remembers shrews running across the table during mealtimes and eating from plates. An old engine shed with a leaking roof was the only habitable building on site at that time.

Slowly, increasing numbers of interested people came to CAT, and many stayed as volunteers. As more workers arrived, they brought a wide range of skills and experience.

In 1974, The [[Duke of Edinburgh]] visited CAT. After his visit, some members of staff suggested turning part of the site into a Visitor Centre a permanent exhibition to explain CAT's work and generate interest in alternative technology. It opened to the public in 1975.
Since then, CAT has grown to become Europe's leading eco-centre. It is staffed by over 100 permanent staff and volunteers all year round. We receive around 65,000 visitors every year, who come to learn about our work.

== CAT’s aims today ==
Today CAT core aims are to inspire, enable and inform people to live more sustainable lives and reduce their impact on the planet in order to solve the greatest and most pressing challenge of our time; [[climate change]].


== Education ==
== Education ==
CAT runs an extensive educational programme, covering primary schools up to postgraduate level. Education also encompasses the visitors centre, the consultancy and the information service as well as the research, outreach and policy work. Education is the heart of all that we do here at CAT.

We welcome schools for day visits, week long residential visits in our eco-cabins, special lectures for higher education groups, and tours and training days for community groups, teachers or business.

We run courses for educators and teachers covering Education For Sustainable Development. We produce teaching resources and materials such as the award winning ‘Where’s The Impact?’.

The education department is involved with local projects running pilot [[eco-footprint]]ing programmes with local schools to study eco-footprints and engage the wider community and local food groups. There are 6 ex-teachers in the department and their range and expertise is a great testimony to their dedication and enthusiasm.

== Short Courses ==
CAT offers a variety of short residential courses covering a range of sustainability issues. Courses on [[renewable energy]], [[green building]] techniques, and [[water resources|water]]and sanitation solutions teach ordinary individuals about sustainable ways of living, allowing them to put their ideas into practice.

Courses cover [[ecology]], [[forestry|woodland management]], [[organic gardening]] and wilderness skills, as well as accredited specialist courses aimed at educators and trade professionals.

The Centre is in a unique position to offer courses. Our staff have many years of 'hands-on' experience, backed up by academic expertise in their subjects. Our on-site renewable energy hardware, organic gardens, ecological buildings and sewage systems are ideal real-life examples used for practical sessions. The holistic approach of the Centre enables topics to be examined in a broad, sustainable environmental context.

== Eco Cabins ==
There are two Eco Cabins and each provides well-insulated, centrally heated accommodation for 18 people.
Hot water for the kitchen and showers is heated by the [[wood-burning stove|woodstove]] or by the roof-mounted [[solar thermal]] panels. You can use the woodstove for cooking or you can use the adjacent gas cooker. A classroom with T.V. and video facilities is available next to the cabins. Groups receive the support of the Duty Education Officer and all are given a free introductory talk on arrival.

Situated close by, are the [[photovoltaic]] cells, [[wind turbines]] and [[water turbine]] which, via batteries, supply the Eco Cabins with most of their electricity. A diesel generator is available to provide additional power when needed.

Complete monitoring of the energy inputs and outputs can be carried out from within each Eco Cabin. Wood can be weighed and the volume of gas used can be measured. The unique Energy Monitoring Boards record the battery voltage as well as all electrical and heat inputs and outputs. It displays the available solar energy, windspeed and inside and outside temperatures. Although simple for the novice to read and understand, this information can be used to make detailed calculations on the efficiency of the turbines and solar cells.

Water can be provided continuously to the Eco Cabins. You may choose instead to collect water from a nearby standpipe and deliver it to the header tanks yourselves, enabling you to monitor consumption. Used water passes through the reed bed sewage system where it supports a variety of plant and animal life, before returning safely to the environment.

The Eco Cabins' energy and water resources, together with the associated monitoring equipment, provide an opportunity for co-operation in the management of these resources to be a central feature of the Eco Cabin residential. It is also possible to participate in community activities such as collecting wood, gardening, building paths and improving the visual environment.

== Graduate School ==
The [http://gradschool.cat.org.uk/graduateschool/ Graduate School for the Environment] offers three Masters courses, covering architecture, environment and energy studies and renewable energy.

The Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies MSc covers building design, energy and wider environmental issues. It is intended to be accessible for all those with an interest in contemporary environmental issues. This course has two methods of access; it can be undertaken by attendance at CAT (with the opportunity of individual modules undertaken via distance learning) or by the wholly Distance Learning Route.

Our Renewable Energy in the Built Environment MSc focuses particularly on the technical and engineering side of renewable energy technology.

The Part 2 Professional Diploma in Architecture considers energy and the environment in the context of architectural design.

All programmes offer the opportunity to work in a sector of increasing importance with high demand for skilled individuals. The Graduate school is a recognised RIBA CPD provider and its courses are accredited by the Energy Institute; the MSc’s are degrees of the University of East London.


== WISE ==
In Spring 2009 our newest building will open, the [http://www2.cat.org.uk/wise/ Wales Institute for Sustainable Education] (WISE) will house the graduate school and provide state of the art facilities including a 200-seater rammed earth lecture theatre, space for 24 study bedrooms, break out rooms, biology and computer labs and restaurant.

The building is a unique opportunity to monitor and research energy use in buildings. All throughout the construction the energy embodied in the building has been carefully monitored and this will continue into its use to provide valuable data to improve construction and energy methods.

The building is constructed using the most sustainable methods and materials possible, the structure is timber frame and rammed earth. Limecrete and hempcrete is used instead of concrete, 500m of insulation, passive solar design, high thermal mass and natural lighting keep energy requirement low. 70 square metres of solar hot water panels and a 6.5 kw PV array meet the hot water and electricity requirements.

WISE will be an exemplar facility where students, business leaders, policy makers and householders can learn about sustainable living.

== Visitors Centre ==
Nestled in the hillsides of Southern Snowdonia is one of the world’s most renowned eco-centres, featuring interactive displays and practical examples of sustainable living, renewable energy and organic gardening. CAT takes a refreshingly positive look at environmental issues and offers practical solutions to help us lessen our impact on the environment.

The seven-acre display site, includes exciting interactive displays that demonstrate the incredible power of wind, water and sun and has working examples of environmentally responsible buildings, energy conservation, organic growing and waste management.

The Centre is a great place for children too, packed full of interactive displays to keep little hands and feet busy for hours. There is a special programme of holiday activities which are both fun and educational.

Off-peak there is an air of tranquillity, the perfect time to enjoy the diversity of flora and fauna that flourishes around the site, to take a stroll around the fascinating organic gardens or enjoy a leisurely meal in our wholefood restaurant.


== Cliff Railway ==
On arrival to the centre, visitors ascend 180ft (60m) via a remarkable cliff railway – powered entirely by water-balancing. You can sit back and take in the magnificent mountain vista before exploring the inspiring array of exhibits.
The railway is fed, from our rain filled reservoir, and top carriage fills with water, balancing out the weight of upcoming visitors in the bottom carriage and then, when the brakes are released gravity draws the lighter carriage up.

== Shop ==
CAT's environmentally designed gift and bookshop is a truly unique shopping experience. It is packed with ethically and environmentally sound products which, inspired by a visit to the Centre, can help you live in a more sustainable way. These include environmentally friendly products for your home and garden, toiletries, gifts, cards and souvenirs for visitors to take away. There are also a range of kits and toys that make use of the power of wind, water and sun, teaching children the essentials of energy and technology. The shop stocks all CAT books and publications and contains many other titles on a wide range of subjects.

The shop itself is housed within a state-of-the-art rammed-earth building, designed to use locally sourced materials and have a low impact on the surrounding environment.

== Restaurant ==
The restaurant sources local, organic and Fair Trade produce to offer appetising vegetarian dishes, light snacks and home-made vegan cakes. Here visitors can regularly savour fresh salad grown in CAT's own smallholding. There are also a selection of organic wines, beers and soft drinks to enjoy. The restaurant is housed in the first building to be reclaimed from the old slate quarry. It is currently being extended and will stretch out into the new WISE building next door.
Outside there are picnic tables where the local robins and sparrows will happily join you for lunch underneath the solar roof.

== Displays ==
Along with a range of interactive displays, there are working examples of environmentally responsible buildings, renewable energy generation, sustainability in the home, organic growing, composting and waste management, each demonstrating what we can do to reduce our impact on the planet. At a time when news about the environment can be gloomy and pessimistic, we aim to put forward a positive solutions-based approach to looking after our planet. These displays are not just for show; they are part of a thriving, sustainable organisation run on renewable energy generated on-site.

To complement our displays we have an extensive programme of events and tours throughout the year, the majority of which are included in the ticket price. Each day in the school holidays CAT staff members give free, guided tours, explaining further about each section of CAT’s work. There is also an Information Centre on site where you can get free advice on sustainable living.

CAT also gives plenty of opportunities to simply relax, wander in the gardens, rest on benches, walk in the woods, and play on the adventure play areas around site.


== Gardens ==
CAT was founded on slate waste. But after 30 years of organic growing, home made compost and manure, we now have award winning productive gardens. From 15 foot sunflowers to prize winning massive marrows, the gardens are bursting with blooms.

Roger has been the gardener here for 30 years and is responsible for the careful cultivation of the soil. He has experimented with the optimum method for generating productive soil, comparing slate waste with nothing added, slate waste with compost and slate waste with imported top soil. The most productive soil turned out to be slate waste with only local compost from site.

Now the gardens provide salads for our restaurant and staff nearly every day of the year. Crop rotation, mixing flowers and vegetable and other organic principals mean pests are kept to a minimum.
The gardens on display here include an acre of productive vegetable garden, suburban and urban gardens, dry gardens, polytunnels and orchards.

== Technology and Knowledge ==
CAT has on site examples of a huge variety renewable technologies, ecological practices and sustainable solutions. Our staff are recognised experts and frequently in demand for lectures, events and speakers tours here and abroad. Our strong point is our wide-ranging knowledge on all aspects of sustainable living and our dedication to always keep learning. The Centre rightly has a reputation as a place to become empowered to find sustainable solutions in your own life.

== Sewage Treatment ==
CAT is entirely off mains water. Most of CAT’s water comes from a reservoir above the Centre and run-off from the surrounding valley. The rest is collected from the roofs of our buildings. As water flows through CAT we use it for generating energy and running the cliff railway, for watering plants, for providing habitats for wildlife, for drinking, cooking and washing and for our low-flush toilets.

Some of the water can be used direct from the reservoir, such as water for power and water for plants and washing. For the water we consume we use a chemical-free purification process. The water initially passes through a sand filter, which removes any larger particles. Any biological impurities in the water are digested by naturally occurring bacteria and algae which colonise the filter. The water is then fed through a UV filter to finalise the purification process.

The toilets at top station take their water from the rainwater harvesting system on the AtEIC building. Using an aquatron the solids and liquids are separated out and the solids composted.
Around site we also have several ordinary compost toilets, twin chambers with urine separation, and also a pee chest where we collect urine to make CAT compost extra potent.
Attached to the Eco cabin we have full reed bed system which we use for demonstrations and courses, and at the bottom of site we have a much larger reed bed system which treats the sewage from all the other flush toilets round site including the new WISE building. Next to the reed beds we grow willow which love the extra nutrients and we can then use this for coppice products.

== Energy Generation ==
At Cat we generate all our own renewable energy and export excess to the national grid. We generate energy from wind turbines, hydro power, solar PV panels, solar hot water panels, woodchip boilers and Combined Heat and Power stations and a ground source heat pump.


== Combined Heat and Power ==
The new woodchip-powered [[Cogeneration|combined heat and power plant]] (CHP) will generate up to 100kW of electricity, enough to meet the instantaneous power demands of 40-60 households, and up to 250kW of heat. The unit will be run to match the CAT site’s power and heating requirements as closely as possible.

In traditional power generation, the heat is wasted, released into the atmosphere via cooling systems. With a CHP system, that energy is used to heat water, which is then used for hot water supply, or for heating buildings through radiators or under floor heating.

The new Talbotts BG100 CHP unit uses a hot air turbine spinning at 56,000rpm, which operates in a similar way to a jet engine. Woodchip is burnt in the combustion chamber to heat air. This hot air passes through an air-to-air heat exchanger to heat more air which drives the turbine. The primary hot air carries on to a further air-to-water heat exchanger in which the water is heated and then piped around the site. The whole unit is the size of a pair of stacked shipping containers.

Wood is considered to be a [[carbon neutral]] fuel because the [[CO2]] that the wood releases as it is burnt is equivalent to the CO2 the tree absorbs as it grows. Furthermore, if the trees come from sustainably managed forests where new trees are planted as mature ones are felled, then the fuel is renewable.

Energy efficiency has been considered when planning the large building to house the new CHP. The walls are made from Ibstock Ecoterre clay blocks, which are not fired but dried using waste heat from a brick kiln – using a lot less energy than conventional cement blocks. The high density of these blocks make them ideal for sound attenuation, a very important consideration in this building as the turbine is quite loud – we have designed the building so that it will be inaudible outside.

This is the first building in the UK to use these blocks – another interesting trial for CAT’s researchers and students.

== Wind ==
The [[wind turbines]] in and around CAT vary from tiny turbines of a foot across, suitable for charging a battery in a boat or caravan; through mid-range turbines which could provide power to a remote cottage; up to a large-scale turbine, capable of generating enough energy to meet the needs of 200 homes.

Flanking the entrance to our Energy and Power pavilion are two ‘multi-blade’ windmills designed for water-pumping. One of them still pumps water, the other has been modified to create a ‘wind seat’ so that visitors can feel the power of the wind directly – a very uplifting experience! While wind power has been used for mechanical tasks such as pumping, milling and sawing for over 2000 years, current interest focuses on generating electricity.

We use a small wind generator (a Marlec FM 1800) to supply electricity for our eco-cabins. This is typical of the kind used for powering lights, TVs and small refrigerators in remote dwellings that have no mains electricity. This one has a maximum output of 250 watts. The Polenko, located on private land close to the Centre, has a hub height of 20 metres, with a 10 metre rotor diameter.

There are also two community wind turbines nearby – the 75kW [[Vestas]] V17 turbine and a brand new 500kW machine. They belong to a consortium of local investors and demonstrate how CAT has spurred local community interest in generating renewable energy.

To give visitors some idea of the scale of the larger machines, we’ve brought an old MS-2 turbine down to ground level. We’ve also cut holes in the side of the nacelle (the cabin at the centre of the blades) so that you can see the working parts inside.

CAT fully supports wind power as the best source of renewable energy in the UK. We are the windiest country in Europe and could rely on wind to provide the bulk of our power in a fully renewable grid. The larger turbines are the more power they produce compared to the resources used in manufacture and maintenance. It makes sense to have larger turbines high on hill tops and off sore enjoying much better wind speeds and generating the most electricity they can. For more information see [www.ZeroCarbonBritain.com]

CAT runs courses on wind power, how to make your own wind turbine and also renewable energy postgraduate courses.

== Solar PV ==
Around site CAT has 22kw of [[solar PV]] capacity installed. Ranging from nearly 20 years old to only a couple of years old, our PV displays educate but also provide a large chunk of power. We have examples of thin film and monocrystalline PV panels. Our newest PV roof was specially made from PV modules set in transparent glass, allowing dappled light through to the picnic area below.
We run solar PV courses, as introductions, for installers, for off-grid and grid connected locations.

== Solar Hot Water ==
Solar hot water, or [[solar thermal]] panels, are often confused with solar PV or solar electric panels. They are two very different technologies, one uses light shining on silicon to electrify particles, the other collects heat from sunlight and transfers this to water.

Around CAT we have the largest variety of installed solar thermal systems in the whole of the UK. We have flat plate, evacuated tubes, home made, integrated and standalone, demonstration roofs, different roof types, different tanks, drain back systems, direct and indirect, monitoring systems, demonstration circuits, expansion valves to play with and all manner of other solar thermal related gadgetry.

To understand more what all this means, come on one of our courses. We run introductory courses and also certified training curses for plumbers who want to become installers. Our solar thermal for installers course was the first of its kind, and all other courses in the UK are heavily influenced by it.

Solar thermal is one of the most common, easily installed and cheapest renewable technologies, even in the UK it will reduce your annual hot water demand by around 50%.

== Forestry ==
CAT recently purchased 15 acres of ex [[forestry commission]] woodland across the road from the main site. The forest contains alder, conifers, oaks, beach and even some cherry. The forest is being managed and developed for use by our courses and education departments. New courses start in 2009 covering areas such as forest management, woodland crafts, bridge building and sustainable land use.

The woodland is also key to research and protecting local [[biodiversity]], and we will be studying the local wildlife carefully as well as controlling invasive non-native species and in the long term returning it to its natural state.

Elsewhere we are increasing our [[coppicing]] projects, our dormice population love the coppice and are thriving as a result. The coppice is also used for woodcraft courses, coppice sculpturing and hurdle making courses. These along with our [[pole lathe]] and furniture making courses will all move to the woodland next year and take advantage of the beautiful surrounds and newly built woodsman hut.

Finally we are doing more and more research into [[bio-char]] as [[carbon sequestration]] and soil fertilisation. An essential research area for our zero carbon land use work. Bio-char offers a fantastic win win solution to climate change, as it encompasses well managed forests which are good for biodiversity as well as industry, increasing carbon sinks and improving soil without chemical fertilisers; all essential activities for our future.

== Biodiversity ==
Biodiversity is central to all our work at CAT. [[Biodiversity]] is the building block which structure the ecosystem that we all rely on to provide essential services such as clean water, wide ranging foods to eat and biomass the build with, heat with and wear.
CAT biologists are involved with many projects to map out and care for local wildlife, bolster and protect habitats and reclaim the old slate quarry for native species. Coed Y Gwern, our new woodland, is being restored to its natural state, planted with native trees and used as a base for the new [http://www.cat.org.uk/biology/ Sustainable Land Use Initiative].

== Environmental Building ==
At CAT we have over 30 years experience of [green building|environmental building]. This is one of the key areas of our work. Housing accounts for nearly 40% of UK emissions and so is a massive wake up call. At CAT we have expert knowledge and experience in reducing energy use in the construction and use of buildings. There are three main areas to environmental building. [[Energy efficiency]], renewable and healthy materials and [[embodied energy]] of construction.

The vast majority of domestic energy use is used in space heating. So the most important elements of environmental building is insulation, draft proofing and renewable sources of heat. This is usually solar hot water systems and biomass.

Renewable and healthy materials are ones that are sustainable sourced and that do not add to toxins in the wider environment or the environment in the building. Some paints, plastics and other materials have been shown to give off [[volatile organic compounds]], which build up in tissue, and are linked to many health problems. Using healthy materials minimises risks and also results in a better living environment.

Environmental building means a lot of things, using natural materials for [[insulation]], using low energy building materials such as unfired bricks or local timber. It also means finding alternatives for high energy materials like concrete, one of the most common building material.


In 2000, the Centre became home to a successful [[MSc]] course in '''Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies (AEES)'''. Although run by the [[University of East London]], the course was based at CAT and covers many areas of [[environmental science]] and its business applications. In 2007, the Graduate School for the Environment was founded by the team behind the existing MSc. The new organisation is affiliated with CAT and although it continues to be validated by UEL<ref name=GSE/> it is no longer a part of the university. In addition to the existing AEES course, an MSc in Renewable Energy and the Built Environment as well as a Professional Diploma in Architecture.<ref name=GSE>{{cite web |url=http://www.cat.org.uk/graduateschool |title=Graduate School of the Environment |accessdate=2007-10-09}}</ref>
We have worked with using [[limecrete]] and [[hempcrete]], using timber for frames but also roofs and cladding without using toxic preservatives and measuring how long they last.


== Quarry Shop ==
== Energy ==
The Centre also runs two businesses in Machynlleth, the Quarry Shop and the Quarry Café. The shop is a thriving provider of wholefoods, organic produce and wines.


CAT originally relied on a collection of water, wind and solar power, but following power shortages it began to receive power from the [[National Grid (UK)|National Grid]]. Shortly afterwards, in 2004, a large new [[wind turbine]] was built using funds generated by selling shares in the project to the community. CAT buys the electricity from the project, and is now a net exporter of energy back to the National Grid.
== Quarry Cafe ==
The Quarry cafe serves whole vegetarian food. It opens during the day monday to saturday and in the evenings on thursday for events and dinner. It is non-licensed so you can bring your own alcohol.


CAT gets its water from an existing man-made reservoir in the slate quarry on which it is based and processes its own sewage in its [[constructed wetland|reedbeds]].
== ZeroCarbonBritain ==
As well as the education programme, CAT is involved in many innovative projects. The 30 year update of our energy strategy was published in 2007. Zero Carbon Britain [www.zerocarbonbritain.com] responds to the seriousness of the climate science and instead of starting from a point of what is politically expedient it starts from what is scientifically necessary to tackle climate change and demonstrates how we can move to a zero carbon society in 20 years. The report has influenced politicians, renewable energy strategists, individuals and community groups. The work started with the report has been taken up by academics, students and companies both here and abroad.


== ZeroCarbonBritain2 ==
== Regional Impact ==
In 2009 CAT launched ZeroCarbonBritain2, the next stage of the strategy. Funded by Esmee Fairburn, CAT will extend the original and conduct further work and research through a collaborative process and feeding back through seminars. More information will become available as the process progresses.


The presence of the Centre in the Dyfi valley has brought an increased environmental emphasis to the area. At the nearest town, [[Machynlleth]], there is an industrial estate started by ex-CAT employees, and a CAT shop.


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 21:00, 19 March 2009

File:CAT Banner.gif
One of CAT's Logos

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) (Template:Lang-cy) is an eco-centre in Powys, mid-Wales, dedicated to demonstrating and teaching sustainable development. CAT, despite its name, no longer concentrates its efforts on alternative technology, but focuses instead on general environmentalism. It is open to visitors, holds residential courses; and publishes information on organic farming, gardening, and ecologically-friendly living. CAT also runs several eco-businesses, including a consultancy service and mail-order catalogue.

CAT was founded by businessman-turned-environmentalist Gerard Morgan-Grenville, and opened in 1974 in the disused Llwyngwern slate quarry near Machynlleth (once served by the narrow-gauge Corris Railway), where it occupies a seven-acre (28,000 m²) site. It is open all-year except Christmas, seven days a week.

Visitor Centre

In 1975 a permanent exhibition opened to explain CAT’s work and generate interest in alternative technology. Now ‘alternative’ has become mainstream and as Europe’s leading eco centre, CAT continues to demonstrate practical ways of addressing problems such as climate change, pollution and the waste of precious resources. The 40-acre (160,000 m2) site with 7 acres (28,000 m2) of interactive displays attracts around 50,000 visitors a year and is the largest tourist attraction in the area. The facilities and exhibits include:

Education

In 2000, the Centre became home to a successful MSc course in Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies (AEES). Although run by the University of East London, the course was based at CAT and covers many areas of environmental science and its business applications. In 2007, the Graduate School for the Environment was founded by the team behind the existing MSc. The new organisation is affiliated with CAT and although it continues to be validated by UEL[1] it is no longer a part of the university. In addition to the existing AEES course, an MSc in Renewable Energy and the Built Environment as well as a Professional Diploma in Architecture.[1]

Energy

CAT originally relied on a collection of water, wind and solar power, but following power shortages it began to receive power from the National Grid. Shortly afterwards, in 2004, a large new wind turbine was built using funds generated by selling shares in the project to the community. CAT buys the electricity from the project, and is now a net exporter of energy back to the National Grid.

CAT gets its water from an existing man-made reservoir in the slate quarry on which it is based and processes its own sewage in its reedbeds.

Regional Impact

The presence of the Centre in the Dyfi valley has brought an increased environmental emphasis to the area. At the nearest town, Machynlleth, there is an industrial estate started by ex-CAT employees, and a CAT shop.

See also

[2]

References

  1. ^ a b "Graduate School of the Environment". Retrieved 2007-10-09.
  2. ^ CITA as Cuba's CAT-equivalent

52°37′20.86″N 3°50′29.55″W / 52.6224611°N 3.8415417°W / 52.6224611; -3.8415417

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