14 DAY TRIAL // Facebook, one of the most popular social networks has shown interest towards eco-friendly values, by committing its efforts in a new project.
Facebook officials announced their partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a group that supports the environment, and also with Opower, a well-known company on the market of energy information software.
Their mission is to develop an innovative strategy that will motivate people to take action in matters such as energy preservation.
The three partners will work to introduce on the market a new application which will serve approximately 4 million customers.
The main idea is to use Facebook's increasing popularity to spread news, tips and tricks that will help people raise their level of awareness regarding a greener lifestyle.
Many people might be interested in applying strategies which would allow them to take care of their budget, while preserving the environment.
By using this new application, participant will be able to control their home's energy use and engage their efforts in energy-saving contests.
Also, individuals will have the chance to spread their thought on the Internet, share articles and news with their friends, or comment upon other subjects regarding the environment.
Everything they will want or need to know will be just a click away.
“This application will give users the ability to share their personal energy use information with like-minded individuals – fostering more conversations about energy savings and engaging a broader segment of the population – one that may have had little interest in energy efficiency to date,” affirmed Dan Yates, co-founder and CEO of Opower.
The first companies that provide utilities have already announced their participation.
Representatives from Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), that covers Chicago and the northern Illinois area, and the City of Palo Alto,in California, as well as the officials from Glendale Water and Power in Glendale, California decided it was time to assume an active role in monitoring the level of energy consumption.
At the beginning of 2012, 4 millions of customers will be able to take advantage of the benefits this application will provide.
These two companies aren't the only ones that will choose to take part in this project, since the list of participants remains open.