PC World to offer green PCs

PC World says it is to develop its first energy efficient and environmentally friendly range of PCs.

In partnership with global suppliers PC World will aim to create the PCs through the use of recycled materials and efficient, low energy consumption components.

The company has also promised to invest in "carbon offsets" intended to neutralise the impact of carbon emissions generated during the manufacturing process. This will mean the retailer paying a fee towards tree planting and other conservation projects.

The computers will be manufactured in Europe and could be on PC World shelves by the autumn 2007. They will come installed with Window’s Vista, which aims to use conserve energy consumption using integrated power-management systems.

They will also come with an advice booklet for customers on ways in which they can use their PCs to minimise environmental impacts through the use of technology. This will include information such as avoiding unnecessary car journeys by communicating via the internet, ordering goods and services and using online banking.

The company is also launching its “design to disposal” programme for businesses. This looks at how a PC or electronic item can be fully utilised before it is disposed of and will run parallel with the WEEE directive due to come into effect in July.

Although pricing has yet to be decided, it is predicted that the PCs be branded under the company's “Advent” brand.