Centre for Alternative Technology

Description

The Centre for Alternative Technology, CAT, is an environmental charity and eco-centre dedicated to teaching and demonstrating sustainable living, based in Powys, Wales.

It was founded by Gerard Morgan-Grenville and opened in 1973 in a disused slate quarry near Machynlleth, originally as the National Centre for Alternative Technology. Early inspiration came from books on limits to growth and alternative ways of living, and the site now covers renewable energy, sustainable architecture, organic growing and low-impact building.

CAT runs a visitor centre with interactive displays on renewable energy, green building and biodiversity, mainly for pre-booked group and school visits. It offers short courses for the public and professionals, and postgraduate degrees through its Graduate School of the Environment, validated by partner universities. It also hires out its award-winning WISE building for conferences and events, and publishes a quarterly magazine, Clean Slate, on its work and wider sustainability topics.