Chipmaker Via has announced its new processor has enabled the development of the world's first 'carbon free' PC.

This term is a bit of a misnomer because no account is made of the energy used in producing either this C7-D processor or any of the other components. A more accurate way would be to say the PCs offset some of the CO2 they produce.

But with the average UK household putting around six tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere each year, environmentalists say we can all do our bit to help cut down on energy usage.

By doing this we reduce what is called our carbon footprint; this is basically a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide.

One way is to reduce the amount of energy we use to power our myriad gadgets and gizmos. Because this will lower CO2 emissions, low-energy gadgets have given rise to the term 'carbon-free' or 'carbon neutral' becoming the latest buzzwords for manufacturers.

A PC using Via's processor does consume less energy than the norm. The 1.8GHz chip consumes 20W, which is fairly low and further power savings are made through the use of smaller power supplies and cooling fans; a side benefit of this is a quieter computing experience for the user.

The chips are also compliant with the latest environmental edict, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive which came into force on 1 July this year and which aims to limit the amount of harmful materials such as lead in electrical and electronic goods.

Via has also gone one step further in its bid to earn its green credentials; as part of its Carbon Free computing initiative it plans to plant enough trees around the world, to offset the CO2 produced by the processor.

Via has estimated that four trees will be enough to offset the C7-D's carbon use, compared with 31 trees for an Intel Pentium-D. Calculations were based on both systems being at full load for a certain period of time.

So these PCs deserve the accolade of green PC if not fully carbon free.

Via currently has currently certified two systems, from PC builders Tranquil and Evesham.