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Founded in 1974 by Gerald Morgan-Grenville and the Society for Environmental Improvement, CAT was at first designed to be a social experiment where a small number of people were to try sustainable living in the old slate mine workings. Public interest grew, visitors came and the public display was born.
CAT is run as a co-operative and has some 35 permanent members of staff who share directorial status and are paid equally. The Centre has its own water supply and natural sewage system and includes interactive displays of renewable technologies, low energy building, organic growing, energy efficiency and a water-powered cliff railway.
It is now a popular tourist attraction which attracts over 70,000 a year, and offers day visits and courses from primary schools to post-graduate level. In addition to the displays, CAT has a highly recommended vegetarian restaurant, an extensive 'green' shop and residential family breaks in the eco cabins are also available.
CAT's annual turnover is just under £1,000,000 per year from visitor admissions, trading arms (shop, mail-order, cafe and
wholefood shop in Machynlleth), publications, residential courses, consultancy and development funding. The company is divided into a plc - created by ethical share issue and comprising the visitor centre, trading arms and consultancy - and a charity, which encompasses the educational and courses work, publications and information services.
As well as its permanent staff, CAT employs contract and casual workers - over 100 people during the year. In attracting visitors to the area it generates further local income and has also instigated local environmental projects.
Through all media, including CD-ROM and the Internet, it aims to enable more people to make the informed choices necessary for sustainable living. |
Visitors arrive at CAT via
the water-balanced
cliff railway
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