Episode 8: Centre for Alternative Technology

CAT - The Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales is at the forefront of sustainable building in the UK.

The Centre for Alternative Technology or CAT in Wales was founded in 1973 on the site of the disused Llwyngwern slate quarry near Machynlleth, in Mid Wales. It is now a world-renowned education and visitor centre which demonstrates practical solutions for sustainability. They cover all aspects of green living: environmental building, eco-sanitation, woodland management, renewable energy, energy efficiency and organic growing.

CAT addresses every aspect of the average lifestyle - renewable energy, environmental building, energy efficiency, organic growing and alternative sewage systems. The Visitor Centre has interactive displays show global issues such as energy generation and transport, and practical, everyday solutions for everyone. They run a range of residential courses - from weekends to a yearlong MSc. Our dedicated Education Department arranges school trips to CAT, which can be tied in with the National Curriculum.

CAT also runs a free information service, answering enquiries on a massive range of topics by phone, letter or email, five days a week. For bigger projects, there is also a consultancy service.

The Centre for Alternative Technology also publishes books on various 'green' topics, and sells eco-books and products through a shop and mail order service.