Microprocessor manufacturer Via Technologies has unveiled its new C7-D processor. 

The Taiwanese company promises to compensate for the carbon dioxide that is produced to power the chip by funding energy conservation, reforestation and alternative energy projects.

Because this effectively leads to zero carbon dioxide emissions over the life span of the chip, the company touts the C7-D as the "world's first carbon free processor".

"In offsetting the carbon emissions produced through the processor's operation, Via is very excited about contributing to projects around the world that will improve the quality of our environment, and enable us to give back to the community," said Richard Brown, marketing chief at Via.

The chip maker has teamed up with environmental group Carbon Footprint for the project.

The new chip features a low power design that consumes 20W when running at 1.8GHz, allowing it to be applied in small form-factor devices without a cooling fan. The chip is available from today.