Centre for Alternative Technology
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| Abbreviation | CAT |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1 January 1973 |
| Founder | Gerard Morgan-Grenville |
| Type | Sustainability, Technology |
| Legal status | registered charity |
| Purpose | Research and application of alternative economics |
| Location |
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| Website | cat.org.uk |
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) (Welsh: Canolfan y Dechnoleg Amgen) is an eco-centre in Powys, mid-Wales, dedicated to demonstrating and teaching sustainable development. CAT, despite its name, no longer concentrates its efforts exclusively on alternative technology, but provides information on all aspects of sustainable living. It is open to visitors, offers postgraduate degrees as well as shorter residential and one day courses; and publishes information on renewable energy, sustainable architecture, organic farming, gardening, and sustainable living. CAT also runs education programmes for schools and sells environmentally friendly items through its on site shop, restaurant and mail order department.
CAT was founded by businessman-turned-environmentalist Gerard Morgan-Grenville, and opened in 1973 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. The organisation was originally known as the "National Centre for Alternative Technology".
CAT was previously aligned to the Urban Centre for Appropriate Technology (UCAT), which was based in Bristol and has since evolved into the Centre for Sustainable Energy.
In 1975 a permanent exhibition opened in order to generate wider interest. The 40-acre (160,000 m2) site with 7 acres (28,000 m2) of interactive displays is the largest tourist attraction in the area. It is open all-year except Christmas, seven days a week. It is a registered charity.
The facilities and exhibits include:
The Centre offers a range of courses which are between a day and a week in length. Some of these courses are offered to the general public while others are accredited courses for professional installers. CAT is involved with school education through training teachers, producing materials and offering special tours and materials on site.
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