THE skyline is changing around the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy where there are plans to install a two kilowatt wind turbine.

With the 2012 Olympics set to be the greenest ever, the academy is leading the way by demonstrating that sports venues can make a difference to the health of the planet.

The academy at Osprey Quay on Portland, the host venue for 2012 sailing events, has been held up as a shining example because of its environmental policies and the turbine is set to boost its green credentials further.

The Loopwing wind turbine is described as revolutionary because its design makes it silent in operation.

It is being installed with the support of academy lead sponsor Scottish and Southern Energy.

Work by the two organisations was recognised this year when they won a prestigious Sport Industry Award in the Environmental Concern in Sport category.

The academy's director of development John Tweed said: "I am delighted to inform everyone that the planning application for Scottish and Southern Energy's Loopwing wind turbine has been granted and the new technology will be installed shortly at the academy. This continues our commitment to meeting the target set by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games that 20 per cent of electricity generated for the academy is done so using renewable energy by the end of 2011."

Scottish and Southern Energy went into partnership with the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy at the beginning of last year with a view to monitoring the performance of emerging technologies and using the venue as a test bed for environmental best practice.

As well as providing a full environmental impact assessment and an active recycling programme, the sponsorship also donated funds for the academy's youth development and reduced-rate community sailing schemes.

As a result of the strategy the academy's level of renewable electricity increased by 37 per cent in 2007.

Meanwhile, earlier this year the academy was held up as a shining example as it marked United Nations' World Environment Day.

With an active recycling programme, reuse of grey water from the roof for boat washing and motion sensor lights the academy has been described by English Nature as an example of best practice' in terms of its environmental policies.

There are also measures to protect the unique flora and fauna of Portland Harbour.