VIA Technologies, Inc today announced the VIA C7-D processor for a new breed of PC desktop solutions.

The VIA C7-D processor offers a maximum power consumption of just 20W at 1.8GHz and also enables further power savings through the use of smaller power supplies and cooling fans. The carbon dioxide produced from the operation of the processor over the lifetime of the PC is then offset through regional projects in energy conservation, reforestation, and alternative energy.

"With an optimal blend of power efficient design, productivity driven performance, and advanced security features, it gives us great pride to offer the VIA C7-D processor as the world's first Carbon Free computing solution," commented Richard Brown, Vice President of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. "In offsetting of carbon emissions produced through the processors' operation, VIA is very excited about contributing to projects around the world that will improve the quality of our environment, and enable us as a company to give back to the community."

The initial offsets for the VIA C7-D processor are being done in cooperation with Carbon Footprint Ltd, a leader in carbon footprint management.

"Products such as the VIA C7-D processor are certainly a step in the right direction for organizations looking to neutralize the carbon dioxide emissions of their operations, and we are proud to be working with VIA in their carbon offsetting projects," commented John Buckley, Managing Director, Carbon Footprint Ltd.

Also with the launch of the VIA C7-D processor, VIA is introducing a new benchmark system called TreeMark which is intended to be a useful tool for organizations looking to balance environmental impact in their computing purchase decisions.