Rackspace has created a new Web hosting package that sponsors tree planting efforts to offset the carbon emissions produced by each customer's hosting solution.

Rackspace says that although online services can reduce the need for the printing of paperwork and direct mail, Web hosting inevitably consumes electricity and the generation of this power produces carbon emissions. In order to compensate for this, the quantity of carbon emitted is calculated and then trees are planted to offset this amount. The International Tree Foundation has set aside land in Pembrokshire, England to plant trees on behalf of Rackspace, which will be entirely comprised of British native, deciduous hardwood trees.

"Rackspace's clients, which include everything from blue chip, multi-national enterprises to innovative start-ups, are increasingly looking for ways to minimize the negative impact they have on the environment," says Jacques Greyling, managing director of Rackspace. "As the leader in managed hosting, Rackspace is working with the International Tree Foundation to offer organizations the opportunity to have carbon neutral hosting. This move reflects Rackspace’s commitment to offering fanatical support to its customers by going the extra mile."