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In 1978, a small group of dedicated students saved the dilapidated Buck house on Humboldt State University’s campus from being demolished. With the support of HSU faculty and the community, the students began to remodel the house and use the house to experiment with appropriate technologies. In the summer of 79 we acquired the house, remodeled and moved in, and in 1980 we became an A.S. program known as the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT). Over the years, the center incorporated a photovoltaic system, solar thermal system, grey water marsh, wind turbine, natural buildings, permaculture design, organic gardening, pedal power machines, and much much more.
30 years later, the center has continued to serve as a living laboratory for experiential learning opportunities by designing, creating, and testing numerous appropriate technologies, green building designs, and sustainable living techniques. Directed and funded by students, the center functions as a live-in demonstration house and educational center.
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Three student co-directors live in the house for a one-year term and direct the program and development of the house and grounds. The co-directors run a program that supports 18 student employees, teaches 8 classes, works with over 15 HSU classes, designs and implements appropriate technologies within the house and on the grounds, gives free tours and workshops, maintains a large resource library, and makes countless efforts to educate the public about the impacts of our technologies on the environment.
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In 2004, the center and its grounds were moved from its location to accommodate for a new Behavioral and Social Sciences building on the Humboldt State University campus. The center was given a new site, slightly south from the original grounds. The Buck house was moved onto a new foundation and lower story. Students once again helped to remodel their beloved Buck house with appropriate and sustainable products and designs. The new lower story incorporated "new" green building features and supplied a space for the center’s library, classroom, and office.
Students lived in a temporary house during the move and construction. Functioning out of their temporary location, students worked on the new grounds and continued to teach classes, give tours and workshops, and educate the public. Students were able to move back into the Buck house during the summer of 2007.
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Students have been working diligently to rebuild CCAT grounds and the appropriate technology systems that were dismantled or lost during the move. The move has given current HSU students an amazing hands-on experience of designing and implementing technologies in today’s world. The center’s 30th year is a testament to the dedication of students who believe in finding solutions to human and environmental problems through sustainable living.