A computer science student has created aFacebook applicationthat enables users to measure
their domestic energy consumption via the social networking
site.
Derek Foster developed the WattsUp application, which will allow
people to assess their carbon dioxide emissions, as part of his
project for the MSc in Human-centred Interactive Technologies at
the University of York.
The application records household power consumption using an
energy monitor called the Wattson monitor. The monitor is plugged
into a computer and uploads energy information to a database.
People can use it to find out where they use a lot of energy so
they can improve their carbon footprint and cut their bills.
The application is currently being tested and should be
available in a couple of weeks. The Wattson monitors cost between
£70 and £80.
WattsUp has been selected as a novel application finalist by
developers of the Microsoft Facebook Development Toolkit. An
article on it will be published on the
Microsoft
Developers Network.
"I developed the application to try to help persuade people to
change their behaviour for the better, and promote better
lifestyles," Foster said.