A 13m (43ft) rooftop wind turbine has been installed at Colston Hall in Bristol in a bid to develop a renewable energy source for the 2,000-seat concert venue, which is currently undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment.

EDF Energy's Green Fund has contributed £30,000 towards the £47,000 sustainable energy scheme, which also includes 25 solar panels, and aims to generate 27,000kWh of green electricity each year. Bristol City Council (BCC) has funded the remaining costs. The project will contribute towards the council's efforts to reduce carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2050 through the Bristol Climate Protection and Sustainable Energy Strategy.

BCC executive member for health and culture, Rosalie Walker, said: "Bristol City Council is committed to supporting the city and its amenities to play their part in developing greener practices. Colston Hall is leading the way in the arts and cultural sector, with this new iconic building for Bristol." As part of the £20m redevelopment of Colston Hall, a new foyer, designed by Levitt Bernstein, has been created next to the existing hall, with a new box office, education facilities, performance spaces, two bars and two catering facilities.

Work on the new foyer has been carried out by Willmott Dixon, which is expected to be completed by September. It is hoped that the new turbine and solar panels will be able to meet all energy needs of the new foyer. Graeme Howell, director of Colston Hall, added: "It is important for us to develop sustainable energy practices at this iconic new building for Bristol and set a standard for other venues to do the same.

"This wind turbine is one of the measures that will help ensure that while providing our audiences and visitors with the very best level of comfort and entertainment, we're doing our best to balance our energy usage."