Electronics giant PC World is to make its first 'green' PC using recycled components and carbon offsetting.

Details are scant on the system but the company said that it will use recycled parts where possible, and will purchase carbon offsetting to cover the ecological cost of manufacture.

The design or pricing has yet to be announced but PC World hopes to have the computer ready for sale by Christmas.

"We are harnessing the very latest technology and the expertise of cutting edge component developers to create the first 'PC PC'," said Bryan Magrath, commercial director of PC World.

"What is not widely understood is the enormous progress that has been made in the creation of energy efficient computing technology over the past few years. It is a process that we expect to accelerate in the months and years ahead."

The actual components used will be chosen for low power consumption and high efficiency. PC World is also pre-installing Microsoft's Windows Vista, which can save energy by deploying better power management.

The move follows Dell's carbon neutrality promises and increasing consumer demand for more ecologically sound computing products.