Dell Computers to Go Carbon Neutral

WASHINGTON, DC, September 26, 2007 (ENS) - Dell today became the first major computer manufacturer to commit to neutralizing the carbon impact of its worldwide operations.

"Never before in the history of business have we seen such a critical need to build a worldwide community dedicated to improving the environment," said Michael Dell, the company's chairman and CEO, during a policy forum in Washington organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"Leadership starts at home, which is why we are going carbon-neutral, but this should only be the beginning of building long-term partnerships with customers, stakeholders and suppliers of all sizes to team up and make a difference for the Earth we all share," Dell said.

Dell's commitment to carbon neutrality in its operations primarily involves emissions impacts created by electricity use and facility heating and cooling. The company will also offset the emissions impact of employee business travel.

Dell issued a challenge to peer companies to join in "a long-term, carbon-neutral commitment to our shared Earth."

Dell also announced a new program called Plant a Forest for Me that enables organizations worldwide to join together with Dell and share best practices, partner and facilitate the planting of millions of trees in sustainably managed reforestation projects. This program is a continuation of the Plant a Tree for Me program for consumers.

The founding members of "Plant a Forest for Me" include Dell, ABN AMRO, AMD, Ask.com, Salesforce.com and WellPoint. Each company has committed to offsetting part of their carbon output by purchasing trees for Plant a Forest. Dell partners with The Conservation Fund and Carbonfund.org, non-profit organizations that facilitate the tree planting.

Carbon neutrality involves taking inventory of an organization's total greenhouse gas emissions, and then implementing strategies to reduce and eliminate those emissions. To meet its carbon neutral commitment for Dell operations, the company will introduce more energy efficiencies, maximize purchases of renewable power and offset remaining impacts.

"Dell's continued efforts to raise the bar for environmental performance are commendable, and we are pleased to see a concentrated effort on addressing climate impacts throughout its business, products and supply chain," said Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres, a national network of investors, environmental organizations and other public interest groups working to address global sustainability challenges.

"What's particularly impressive is the company's focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy as primary mechanisms for addressing climate change," she said, "and we look forward to working with Dell as additional environmental initiatives are developed."

In June, Dell announced a long-term goal to be the "greenest technology company on the planet," an initiative that includes teaming with "The ReGeneration," people of all ages who care about the environment. The company's climate policy focuses on minimizing both direct and indirect emissions impacts, including supplier operations and customer product use.

Dell is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a member of the Climate Leaders Program on an inventory of the company's greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. operations. Approximately 10 percent of the energy needs of the company's Austin, Texas operations already come from renewable sources.

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2007. All rights reserved.