Computer games for young people are mostly seen by parents as a waste of time. This could be partly changed thanks to an idea supported by The National Geographic, General Electric, The Center for Science and local energy companies across the USA.
Plan It Green is a free online game recently launched as part of the Connect! Transform the Future initiative, which aims at engaging students about energy sources, efficiency and conservation increasing their awareness on the issues.
The game allows players to dress the part of a city mayor and develop their own city with eco-efficient buildings, smart energy systems, cycling paths, parks and the likes. By winning points for each sustainable decision made, they can challenge their friends or other players for the greenest and more energy efficient city.
The main goal of this project is to make youth understand how the energy systems work and what they plan for their virtual city could also be applied to their real life city, thus creating more sustainable and thriving communities. Educating young people about these topics is of high relevance as they will be the decision makers of the future.

For more information on the Connect! Transform the Future initiative and Plan It Green please visit the following link.