Hardware maker Dell says it will become carbon neutral by next year. Under an environmental plan which was announced yesterday, the computer maker said will make its operations carbon-neutral by 2008, a year early.

It will manage this through a variety of methods, including buying so-called carbon offsets, replacing incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent and requiring parts suppliers to list information on their environmental policies.

Dell, will find ways to offset every kilo of greenhouse gas generated in the production, transportation and sales of its computers.This will include using renewable energy sources such as wind, managing electricity use more efficiently and planting trees, which gradually absorb carbon dioxide as they mature.