Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT)

Practical ecology for resilient futures

Why We’ve Invited CAT

WholeFam’s Fall 2025 Field Research Project seeks to learn from communities and institutions that translate vision into practical systems. The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Wales has long been a leader in demonstrating sustainable solutions for energy, food, housing, and water — offering a living laboratory of ecological design.

We believe CAT’s hands-on approach to sustainability provides vital lessons for building sanctuaries that are not only spiritually and socially supportive, but also materially resilient.

What We Hope to Learn

  • Ecological Infrastructure: How CAT models renewable energy, ecological building, and water systems.
  • Education Through Practice: How CAT teaches sustainability by integrating it into daily operations.
  • Community and Ecology: How visitors, staff, and learners interact within a living ecological campus.
  • Scaling and Adaptation: What lessons can be applied by small, resource-conscious communities as well as larger initiatives.

Why This Matters to WholeFam

WholeFam sanctuaries must be grounded not only in care and culture, but also in systems that sustain life. CAT offers concrete models for:

  • Food and energy independence
  • Housing design that reflects ecological principles
  • Practical training for communities seeking resilience
  • Bridging the gap between vision and implementation

These lessons help ensure that sanctuaries are not only inspiring, but also functional and enduring.

Our Inquiry with CAT

During our residency we hope to explore:

  • Which ecological systems are most transferable to small, start-up sanctuaries
  • How CAT has evolved its teaching since its founding
  • How sustainability is balanced with accessibility and affordability
  • What role demonstration projects play in inspiring wider change

Learn More

For more information about the Centre for Alternative Technology, visit: https://cat.org.uk

Project Context

This visit is part of the WholeFam Field Research Project – Fall 2025, a comparative study of contemplative, ecological, educational, and artistic communities across Europe. Our aim is to gather and share lessons that will inform the development of future sanctuaries and provide open-source guidance for others seeking to build resilient, compassionate communities.