The CREATE Centre is Bristol's unique Environment Centre. Housed in part of an old tobacco warehouse, the centre is home to Bristol's Sustainability Unit, along with several other non-governmental organisations. It also has a reference library, and some interesting and fun educational facilities for children and teachers.

The 'Jewel in the Crown' of the CREATE Centre is the purpose-built ecohome - a living demonstration of techniques and materials for sustainable living. The ecohome is a three-bedroomed house, built compact and cube-shaped, with a south-facing slated roof to assist the movement of warm air through the building and to absorb the heat of the sun. It is built, decorated and furnished using either recycled or sustainable materials.

Inside (and outside, in the garden) there is a wealth of information and ideas on how to live sustainably, from recycling, to saving water, to using sustainable floor coverings and non-toxic paints. There is also a very well stocked reference library, in which you could probably find information on just about anything to do with sustainability. The home feels light, airy and spacious, and would be a lovely place to live.

Visiting the CREATE Centre won't occupy an entire day, but you could spend a very enjoyable few hours there. The ecohome is meant to inspire, which it does very well.

Official Website: Bristol City Council - The CREATE Centre

Note: We've had several people contact us thinking we're the CREATE Centre. We're not! To contact the CREATE Centre, please visit their website using the link above. Thanks!