Lead Partner: The Centre for Alternative Technology
Description
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) was founded in 1973 on the site of the disused Llwyngwern slate quarry near Machynlleth, in Mid Wales. It was originally a community dedicated to eco-friendly principles and a ‘test bed’ for new ideas and technologies - the Visitor Centre was a later addition in 1975. Since then, CAT has grown to become Europe’s leading eco-centre. It is staffed by 90 permanent staff and volunteers all year round, and a further 60 people during the summer months. CAT receives around 65,000 visitors every year. CAT is also an educational centre, running a range of residential courses - from weekends to a yearlong MSc. CAT will work alongside local partners Ecodyfi (a social enterprise based upon a community renewable energy project) and the Dyfi valley UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
CAT will concentrate on low carbon living and associated technologies. The Centre is proud to host Carnegie’s community of practice to help rural communities create a new kind of economy; stable in the long term, locally resilient, but still active in a global context, rich in quality jobs, a strong sense of purpose and reliant on indigenous, in-exhaustible energy. CAT outline their vision in the recently published ZeroCarbonBritain 2030.
Contact Details
Paul AllenCentre for Alternative Technology,Machynlleth,Powys,SY20 9AZ,UKpaul.allen@cat.org.ukWebsite: http://www.cat.org.uk