Centre for Alternative Technology (reviews)

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a unique and valuable eco-centre. It is located in Powys, Wales. CAT is a living laboratory with a wide range of live examples of sustainable solutions. The centre covers all aspect of green living, including environmental building, eco-sanitation, woodland management, renewable energy, energy efficiency and organic growing. The institution is open to visitors, and also offers postgraduate degrees, as well as short residential and one day programmes. CAT also made it its mission to inform people about sustainable living- it runs education programmes for the general public, as well as more detailed courses for builders, engineers, electricians and plumbers. The graduate school offers a range of postgraduate degrees in environmental architecture and renewable energy. CAT also sells environmentally friendly items through its website, and at shops and at its vegetarian restaurants on site. The visitor centre is open 7 days a week. In addition to its educating work, CAT runs a successful volunteer programme. CAT is also involved in numerous projects, such as ZeroCarbonBritain, Coed Gwern, and Dyfi Biosphere (which is the only UNESCO Biosphere in Wales). CAT is a unique education provider – it also carries out educational outreach work, including teacher training and school visits.