Dell pledges carbon-free computing

E&E Daily, 26 January 2007 - Computer-users can soon breathe easier knowing their gadgets are a little less responsible for climate change -- at least those buyers who shop with Dell.

Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) CEO Michael Dell announced today that the company will go "carbon-neutral" next year, using a mix of energy efficiency upgrades, renewable power purchases and carbon offsets to compensate for the carbon dioxide emissions caused by its operations.

The company plans to neutralize its emissions stemming from Dell-owned and Dell-leased buildings and manufacturing facilities, as well as for employee air travel.

Much of the carbon dioxide footprint of a typical computer stems from the manufacturing of components that are made by subcontractors, and Dell officials said carbon dioxide emissions associated with subcontracts will not be offset. But the company will continue to work with suppliers under a program announced in June to have them identify and report their carbon dioxide emissions impacts.

That reporting requirement is a first step in a long-term strategy to minimize those supply chain emissions, officials said. The company also has programs to boost the energy efficiency of its computer models, helping consumers reduce the CO2 emissions associated with the electricity to operate them.

"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," the CEO said in a statement. No added cost

Dell officials declined to share cost estimates associated with the program but said facilities would turn first to money-saving efficiency improvements before purchasing the maximum amount feasible of renewable energy, and finally resorting to well-managed offsets for the remaining emissions.

They pointed to a company-wide power management system that turns computers off at night, as well as upgraded office lighting and better building insulation as measures that would be expanded to achieve energy savings.

One official said the company would not increase the cost of its computers to pay for the carbon-neutrality program, though he pointed out that marketing efforts around energy efficiency have been popular with some customers.

Officials said they were using a World Business Council for Sustainable Development model for estimating their carbon footprint and plan for the program to take effect next year, when the company will offset its 2006 emissions.

Author Jenny Mandel Publication Date 26 Sep 2007 Document Type WBCSD in the news Issue/Topic Business Role/CSR Energy & Climate Region North America Country United States Source E&E News Include In RSS Energy & Climate News