Sept. 26, 2007 Dell has become the first major computer manufacturer to commit to neutralizing the carbon impact of its global operations.

The new initiative will focus primarily on energy efficiency and reducing operational emissions associated with electricity use and facility heating and cooling. Dell will offset the emissions impact of any non-renewable energy the company uses. The company will also offset the emissions impact of employee business travel.

"We are pleased to see [Dell's] 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, and we look forward to working with Dell as additional environmental initiatives are developed."

Dell says it is working with stakeholders to ensure that carbon offsets are invested in projects that can be monitored and verified. The company recently extended its "Plant a Tree for Me" consumer program to enable other companies and organizations to plant trees in sustainably managed reforestation projects.

In June, Dell announced a long-term goal to become the "greenest technology company on the planet," saying it aimed to make its products carbon neutral.