Blog from the Centre for Alternative Technology

The Dyfi Biosphere

CAT is part of the Dyfi Biosphere – an area recognised by UNESCO as being particularly environmentally conscious, whilst also encouraging sustainable economic development.

ZCBlog: Winds of Change

Electricity production from wind power in the UK has increased dramatically over the last few years, as a graph from the new ZCB report shows.

Compost Toilets: a Grand Design or a Space of Waste?

Reflections on CAT’s presence at Grand Designs Live this year.

ZCBlog: Educating for a zero carbon future

Sarah Everitt, a long-term volunteer at CAT, describes her work linking between different parts of the CAT team: Education, and Zero Carbon Britain.

ZCBlog: Catalysing the shift we need

What are Tradable Energy Quotas, and can they help solve our current climate and energy crises?

CAT pioneers reunite for BBC Radio 4 broadcast

Five early pioneers of the Centre for Alternative Technology will be reunited on Sunday 28th April for BBC Radio 4’s The Reunion. Hosted by Sue MacGregor, The Reunion takes a weekly look at significant events and moments in history by reuniting the people who made them happen.

Carbon Omissions: why we need to start talking about consumption

If our carbon emissions are falling, it means we’re on the right track, right? And we’ve done it without needing to drastically change our economics (or even our lifestyles). But what if our accounting systems are wrong?

How to make the most of longer days in the woods

If you manage woodlands you’ll know that spring heralds the time to reduce your timber harvesting. Richard and the CAT woodland team look at what opportunities late spring and early summer offer sustainable woodlands.

Podcast: what is a sustainable approach to construction waste?

What does taking a sustainable approach to construction waste mean? In a lecture delivered to postgraduate students at CAT – who learn about sustainable construction methods – Jonathan Essex from Bioregional explores the topic and its associated issues, from climate change to economics. The construction sector uses roughly half the UK’s resources by tonnage, and produces 47 million tonnes of waste, which is partially recycled, and partially reused. Previous podcasts Read More ››

ZCBlog: Zero Carbon Britain 2012

As Christmas fast approaches, Paul Allen looks at the past, present and future of Zero Carbon Britain… This time last year we were all still reeling from the paradox of the UN climate conference in Durban. After the disaster of Copenhagen, and little better in Cancun, expectation on any form of deal, and the future of the entire UN process, was not high. While governments avoided disaster in Durban, they by no means responded adequately to the mounting threat... Read More ››

Photo: CAT seen from above

Another wonderful image captured by our short courses technician Paul Williams of CAT shrouded in mist. Read More ››

Introducing Lewin…

Over the next few months Lewin Appleton- Fox will be blogging for us from the Renewable Energy and the Built Environment course, here is his first post introducing himself. I gained a BSc in chemistry in 2010 and then spent 18 months working as a pensions consultant in Bristol, but swiftly realised that it didn’t appeal to me as a career. I decided to move into renewable energy as I think it’s going to be one of the... Read More ››

Christmas presents that make a difference

If you like me have not even started Christmas shopping yet, you could either put your head in your hands and despair about our consumerist society or do what I did last year and give someone a present that can really make their year. Just before last Christmas, my Dad came up to CAT and was amazed by the wooden pole lathes and shave horses he saw as we walked around CAT. I suggested he might like to... Read More ››

Open Days at CAT

If you are thinking of studying at CAT, then our open days on Wednesday January 16th and Thursday January 17th 2013 are a perfect opportunity to come along and find out more about our MSc Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies (also by distance learning) and Professional Diploma in Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies You are welcome to arrive on Wednesday January 16th from 4 pm onwards when staff will be available to discuss the programmes we... Read More ››

ZCBlog: Making a meal of your christmas dinner

Christmas is just around the corner and no doubt you have already stocked up on enough food to feed an army over the festive season. Because at this time of year stuffing yourself rotten is just as important as presents and decorations! But do enough of us stop to consider the impacts of food on our environment? The Christmas dinner is an annual tradition that can bring the whole family together for one day of the year – or... Read More ››