Internet giant Google has added to its environmental credentials with the launch of a new carbon footprint measuring system.Using the Google Carbon Calculator, people can calculate their contribution to CO2 emissions and discover ways of reducing it through a personalised action plan.
They can also see how their actions compare with others around the country by putting themselves on the Google UK Carbon Footprint Map.
Ed Parsons, geospatial technologist at the search engine, stated: "We want to help people find the information they are looking for as quickly as possible and that's why we have launched this project.
"Whether people around the UK choose to start with small steps or giant leaps it will now be easier to see how collective efforts can make a real difference in reducing our carbon footprint."
The carbon calculator has been developed in partnership with a number of environmental agencies, including the Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs and the Energy Saving Trust.
Commenting on Google's involvement in the project, environment secretary Hilary Benn said that he was "delighted".
"We have decided to share our calculator data with organisations ... to ensure that even more people have the chance to calculate their carbon footprint using the most up-to-date data and calculations," he added.
Last month, Google announced another environmental initiative involving the clearing of litter, with people using Google Maps to coordinate plans.
