The ERN is an unincorporated non-profit association (UNA) that functions as a clerical utility, issuing and storing receipts that document the ecological value of regenerative work - it's about 'earning our keep' in the natural economy.
REDs are the fundamental unit of measure for regenerative work.
Definition:
One (1.0) RED unit = 60 watt-hours of human-controlled energy optimally spent aiding the earth's regenerative infrastructure (soil, water, air, and sunlight).
This value is based on a typical human basal metabolic rate - the energy we expend by simply being alive.
Important: REDs (Regenerative Energy Deposits) measure regenerative work — actions that actively restore, maintain, or enhance ecological function. Reducing harm and cutting needless resource extraction matters, but it isn't enough: REDs require positive contribution, not just reduced damage.
RETs are digital receipts documenting verified Q4-grade (regenerative) work.
Calculation:
X RETs = Y REDs × P (Potency Index)
Potency Index (P):A quality multiplier (0.5–5.0) applied to REDs that reflects how ecologically sound, durable, and technically demanding the work is.
P-values serve two functions:
Higher P-values reflect work with greater expected return-on-energy-investment (ROEI) in terms of biomass and biodiversity.
The ERN verification process documents uncompensated regenerative work and issues RETs as proof-of-work receipts.
Document digitized evidence of your work (smartphone photo album of the claim form with proof-of-work pics attached). Prudent use of motorized equipment should be included in the claim.
An ERN clerk dispatches an inspector who verifies the work — on-site when claim size or work category requires it — confirms the evidence, and validates the RET calculations before the clerk processes the claim.
The ERN Clerk reviews the claim and the inspector's signature. If approved, the claim is added to the publicly viewable archive, 95% of the claimed RETs are credited to the worker's account, and 5% go to the ERN cache.
You can save or transfer your RETs to any other member at any time - the reason is between you and them.
Regenerative work is classified into five categories, each with specific criteria and P-value ranges:
Reducing or stopping environmental harm. Removing invasive species, stopping erosion, activism for boycotting / banning toxic chemicals are typical examples.
Undoing harm that has been done. Examples: soil restoration, water quality improvement, wildlife habitat recovery, etc.
Protecting / maintaining the local biome. Examples: Composting, wildlife / wilderness protection, etc. Basically seeing to it that no harm is done and natural resilience is maintained.
Enhancing habitat from the natural baseline. Examples: permaculture practices, native plantings, biodiversity enhancements, regenerative Agriculture, etc.: Leaving our place in better shape than we found it.
Verification, documentation, and educational infrastructure work that stimulates the regenerative economy. Examples: inspector training, documentation systems, community education, etc. ERN staffers claim RETs same as other workers.