FIRST MINISTER OPENS INFORMATION CENTRE

First Minister opens Sustainable Energy Information Centre

The innovative new Information Centre demonstrating a range of energy saving renewable technologies was formally opened by First Minister Rhodri Morgan AM this week.

The West Wales ECO Centre completely refurbished its old visitor centre with working examples of the common renewable energy technologies. It has used local and natural materials where possible in the decoration of the centre. 'The aim is to show that living a more sustainable life does not mean a step back to the dark ages' said Jake Hollyfield, Director of the ECO Centre.

The First Minister said : 'This new centre will promote the invaluable work the West Wales ECO Centre undertakes' especially on energy use and the environment.

'Wales is one of only three countries in the world with a legal duty to promote sustainable development.  We will continue to strive to put the issue at the heart of policy making to reap maximum social, economic and environmental benefits.

'This new Information Centre will assist the ECO Centre?s work in providing free and impartial advice on domestic energy efficiency and information on grants and schemes to facilitate improved energy use.'

This year the ECO Centre celebrates 25 years of working to reduce the causes of climate change through advice and demonstration.  The new Information Centre provides a source of free and impartial advice about energy saving, renewable energy, green building and other aspects of sustainable living. 'These are all steps everybody can take. They are not big steps, but if we all make an effort to reduce our impact a little then it will achieve a great deal for Wales.'

Visitors can see a domestic solar hot water system plumbed in and working; a solar electric system that is connected to the national grid; a rainwater harvesting system; a biomass heater burning wood pellets and many examples of small applications for the household. Eco paints; natural flooring; locally managed timber and recycled plastic surfaces have been used in the fitting out and visitors can see that there are alternatives to PVC. 'We are happy to practice what we preach and lead by example, as we have done for 25 years' said Jake Hollyfield. 'The original aims for the ECO Centre haven?' changed but as we have seen with the recent G8 summit, the rest of the developed world - or  most of it - has moved to our position.'

The Information Centre development was funded by the Sustainable Development Fund managed by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Enfys New Opportunities Fund, and the Wales Tourist Board.








The ECO Centre management and Trustees also took the opportunity to lobby the First Minister directly about the lack of direct support from the Assembly for renewable energy activity in the domestic and community sector. Here, Mr. Morgan can been seen sat with Jake Hollyfield while Pete West makes a point.