Dopplr, a social networking site based on sharing your travel plans, has upped the ante for its members. Beyond simply connecting travelers with their friends who will be in the same place at the same time, Dopplr now offers a carbon calculator to help trip planners.

The figures beyond the carbon calculator come from AMEE, “the world’s energy meter.” Dopplr users can calculate their emissions based on travel method and stopovers. They can also share their information with their friends, showing off low carbon usage and providing incentives to further lower their emissions. Carbon use is also displayed in a number of ways, including a carbon calendar.

Dopplr is a free service which has enjoyed a certain level of popularity among new media users. I’m on it, and I’ve used it — it’s easy to use and I think there’s a lot of potential for users interested more in their carbon output than their social networking. I think that Dopplr’s carbon calculator actually expands their market to a whole new niche audience, making their business a little more stable. The carbon calculator has been a planned step for Dopplr from the start, judging from posts on the Dopplr blog.

Photo — Afroswede