A new iPhone app created for all those Ecosnoops out there has resulted in a deluge of scathing remarks on the Watts Up With That website. The app calls for people to snap photos of “energy offenders” and send them to the EcoSnoop website.  Nothing like public shaming to create a positive culture for environmental stewardship.

Here’s the video about the app; below are some comments posted on the WUWT site and an explanation from the EcoSnoop crew themselves.

EcoSnoop - Sustainability through Activism – here’s a bit more about the idea from the chief snoops. 

EcoSnoop for iPhone is an activism tool that allows green-aware users to assist and encourage corporate green initiatives.

What’s the big deal?

It has been estimated that as much as 30 percent of the energy consumed in office buildings is wasted.

This suggests a significant opportunity for energy use reduction, cost savings, and the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions through cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities.

To help identify the best opportunities, both from the perspective of the building owner and the utility, it is important to examine how, where, and when energy is used and the savings are likely to occur. (Excerpt taken from the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency Sector Collaborative on Energy Efficiency Office Building Energy Use Profile)

Q: How can I help using my iPhone?

A: Users locate and report on eco-offenders by submitting pictures and descriptions of blatant abuse and misuse issues.

Q: What happens with my pictures?

A:The EcoSnoop website and iPhone applications are a centralized repository of environmental awareness and a tool for actively promoting energy conservancy and green awareness. By using the EcoSnoop iPhone application, the user becomes an important link in the chain of helping to report and mediate green waste (energy, pollution, etc.). Additionally, by going yourself and encouraging friends to utilize the website to add as much information as possible about the picture (address information, responsible party information, etc.) you are giving the EcoSnoop community the tools to encourage positive change!

EcoSnoop: We need your help saving the world…1 picture at a time.

And, of course, the response…

yyzdnl:

Does anyone have that photo of Al’s new boat plugged in at the dock? That would be a great picture for that website.

Cathy:

OK. I’m going to read this again. I’m looking for the “April Fool!” pop-up. It’s gotta be in there . .. . . . . .. . . . . .nope,. . .. . . .nope, . . OK. This is getting scary.

jorgekafkazar:

What? We can’t say Al Gore anymore?

Note that the burgundy-lipped spokesperson (whose name is even “Stāsi”) refers to energy use as “offenses.”

But, seriously, volks, does this tattle-tale application have genuine appeal for people of other than 2nd grade mentality? I sure hope not. But that would be bad enough. Imagine a million little Khmer Rouge informants armed with cell phones.

Here’s EcoSnoop’s answer to the hundreds of responses on WUWT:

All,

Thank you for very much for the spirited conversation. We clearly have a lot of work to do to get EcoSnoop tuned into a constructive tool.

EcoSnoop is aimed at helping Government building owners understand when they are wasting energy. Energy efficiency hopefully is a non controversial solution in that it saves money, emissions and enhances national security. Our current policy is to prevent the posting of any information about ones residence. Unfortunately some old demo pictures are on the site, and they will be removed.

Our objective is to educate people on energy waste, not call them out. Our newer version which is still in work masks the location to all but the person who submits and the person who owns the building.

EcoSnoop is an evolving social community. As community, we need to maintain a certain decorum to assure everyone benefits from the “networks” observations to eliminate waste. As such, we ask that everyone follow some basic rules:

•Respect the Views of Others – EcoSnoop is not a political platform. EcoSnoop is about using technology and social networking to help people, companies and communities understand how awareness can eliminate waste, reduced CO2 output, and save money.

•No Personal Attacks – Do not use EcoSnoop to single out and attack people or companies. The best way to help people understand is through better information and cooperation. In taking pictures and making notes on the EcoSnoop site, think about what information will help a person or company understand how energy efficiency and waste reduction can help them improve profitability and community appeal.

•Avoid Mentioning Company Names – It is helpful to identify opportunities and describe ways to improve, but EcoSnoop finds the property owners take action quicker if they are not threatened or attacked. Sometimes when lights are left on at night it might be a simple instance of light night maintenance rather than persistent waste. The EcoSnoop community assumes everyone is well meaning, so given them a chance to take action. If they take no action, assume there is a good reason or work to better educate.

Since we are evolving, we are open to your ideas and suggestions. Please feel free to send your comments to us at snoop@ecosnoop.com.

Yes, clearly they do have a lot of work to do... Not sure how a site set up specifically to narc on people can also have the "No Personal Attacks" rule.