Everything you need to know about RETs and the Energy Return Network
RETs (Regenerative Energy Receipts) are digital receipts documenting verified regenerative work. They are calculated as: RETs = REDs × P (Potency Index). Each RET is traceable to a specific project with photographic evidence and represents real ecological value created through documented effort.
To receive RETs, you need to: (1) Attend an orientation session to learn the claim process, (2) Perform regenerative work (damage control, remediation, maintenance, or upgrades), (3) Document the work with photos and a claim form, (4) Have the work verified by an ERN inspector, and (5) Receive RETs issued by the ERN clerk to your account.
No. RETs are specifically designed to document uncompensated regenerative work. If you're already being paid for the work through employment, grants, or government funding, it is not RET-eligible. RETs reward volunteer work, gig work, and personal regenerative efforts that receive no other compensation.
RETs can be stored in your ERN account, transferred to other individuals, or sold through independent peer-to-peer platforms (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, local newsletters, etc.). In the future, RETs may be exportable to compatible blockchains. Their value comes from their traceability to verified regenerative work.
No. ERN's role ends at RET issuance and storage. We do not operate trading platforms or facilitate exchanges. RET holders must arrange sales independently through third-party platforms. After completing payment arrangements, sellers use their ERN account to transfer ownership. This keeps ERN as a clerical utility, not a trading platform.
Currently, RET transfers are processed by the ERN Clerk. Buyers and sellers arrange payment independently (via Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, etc.), then contact the clerk to log the transfer between accounts. Both accounts update to reflect the new ownership. Future automation may streamline this process.
Not yet. Blockchain export is planned for a future phase. When available, RET holders will be able to migrate their receipts to compatible blockchains at their option. This will enable decentralized trading but may involve additional considerations around subdividing or bundling RET blocks.
ERN charges a 5% minting fee on all issued RETs to cover operational costs. This supports the infrastructure for verification, record-keeping, and account management. There's also an optional 10% donation to support government services (4% City, 3% County, 2% State, 1% National).
Potency Index (P) values serve two functions: (1) They predict the likelihood of successful ecological outcomes for different types of work, and (2) They adjust raw energy output (REDs) to make RETs fungible from Nature's perspective. Higher P-values reflect work with greater expected return-on-energy-investment in terms of biomass and biodiversity.
Every RET is linked to a Project ID that connects to the original claim form and photographic evidence. The Public Registry displays all issued claim IDs. Anyone can look up a Project ID to view the documented work that generated those RETs, ensuring full transparency and traceability.
Still have questions?
Contact Us