Wang Yong has dedicated himself to saving energy for the past 17 years since arriving in Beijing in 1998. Now, his mobile app VV Carpool, which was launched last year, has helped him achieve his dream of protecting the environment by cutting down on harmful green house gas emissions.

His "car pool" idea started when he offered a lift to an old lady on a rain-soaked day 17 years ago. The daughter of his passenger thanked him for being so caring, and that encouraged him to carry on.

But there were times when Wang, who runs consultancy company Top Brand Union, wondered if it was worth all the hassle. While advertising his "free ride" service near a bus stop in Beijing, he was taken aback by people's attitudes.