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.
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: RETs document personal regenerative efforts that receive no other compensation. If you're already being paid for Q4-grade work through employment, grants, or government funding, it is not RET-eligible.
RETs are digital receipts documenting verified Q4-grade (regenerative) work.
Calculation:
X RETs = Y REDs × P (Potency Index)
Potency Index (P): A multiplier (ranging from 0.5 to 4.0) that adjusts raw energy (REDs) to reflect the expected ecological impact.
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, generally on-site, and confirms the evidence and RET calculations. The inspector sends the data package to the ERN clerk (AI cannot mimic these steps).
The ERN Clerk re-checks the claim content and inspector's signature. If ok, the claim is added to the publically-viewable archive, 95% of your RETs claimed are added to your work record, 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.
Enhancing habitat from the natural baseline. Examples: permaculture practices, native plantings, biodiversity enhancements, regenerative Ag, 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.