Centre for Alternative Energy
In April 2004 something strange began to happen at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) - they started to receive considerably more calls than normal. That'll be the Archers then. The BBC Radio 4 show had caught the public's attention with energy-efficient measures incorporated in the story line of a self build house.
CAT has an enviable reputation as a ground-breaking research centre where people live and work with positive solutions to many of the world's environmental problems. Over 30 years CAT has become a leading eco centre providing information to help preserve the environment.
CAT has helped to develop and educate on issues such as sustainable development, solar panels and wind turbines.
In fact at their centre near Machynlleth, Wales puts into practice what they preach with buildings constructed from a range of environmentally-friendly materials - examples of traditional slate and timber-frame buildings, popular styles in surrounding Mid-Wales.
More interesting constructions include an innovative straw-bale theatre and Britain's 'greenest public building', their Autonomous Environmental Information Centre, whose walls are built from compressed earth and whose roof carries the UK's largest solar-water heating system.
If you are considerering green building techniques the Centre for Alternative Technology provide a free information service.
CAT also provides residential courses with great success with self-build courses. Many course participants have gone on to build their own environmentally-friendly dwellings.
For more information visit the Centre for Alternative Technology web site - www.cat.org.uk
