Dell Goes “Carbon-Neutral” but Read the Small-print

Computer giant Dell has announced 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. However – there is a catch. Much of the CO2 footprint of a typical computer stems from the manufacturing of components that are made by subcontractors, and Dell officials said 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.

“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, Michael Dell said in a statement.

One thing Dell could start doing is stop sending me their junk mail every month.