Sustainable development research, development & demonstration organisations in the UK

Such organisations in the UK tend either to have been founded by enthusiasts or they were originally Government establishments. Examples of the former type are usually legally constituted as charities and likely to encourage visitors and active supporters. The main areas explored by research organisations are food production and other agricultural practices, human lifestyle, building construction and the development and use of technological aids. Examples of such organisations are:

Food and agricultural practice

The Soil Association, HDRA - specialising in organic food production, the Eden Project, in Cornwall, The National Trust - conducting experiments on the land they manage and RSPB - which is pioneering wildlife friendly farming.

Buildings and lifestyle

The Buildings Research Establishment - the UK Government's laboratory - has a Centre for Sustainable Construction and the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) has provided a test bed for new building types and their practical uses.

Technology

CAT, as the full name suggests also has pioneered the application of many different technologies to establish their suitability to assist a more sustainable lifestyle. More recent examples of establishments with similar aims include The Earth Centre, near Doncaster and Sherwood Energy Village, near Nottingham. ETSU is the UK Government's centre for research into energy technologies.

Paul Newman

March 02

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