While driving to our home in the Bolt EV, our 5-year-old grandson, Jackson, asked an intriguing question: "What do solar panels do?" That moment turned into an impromptu backseat lesson on silicon, sunshine, and a more regenerative way of living. Jackson spends much of his time in our certified Passive House, which boasts a 10.8 kW solar system, producing ample electricity for both the house and the electric vehicle. Even his toy closet shares space with the Zehnder Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), refreshing our indoor air completely every three hours. Both of our homes are equipped with solar panels and Mitsubishi heat exchangers, harnessing the sun's energy for heating and cooling. In our extended family, eight homes have gone solar, and six of us drive electric vehicles. Jackson is fully immersed in this renewable lifestyle; he gets it.  

In McMinnville, we built our first Net Positive house, intending it to be our forever home. However, when Jackson was born in Central Oregon, we relocated and replicated the same blueprint. Both residences feature thick walls, high R-values, and are approximately 1,000 square feet. While the first had triple-pane windows, the second boasts quadruple-pane windows. Last fall, we proudly participated in the official Bend Green Home Tour, attracting 175 people. Visitors gathered around the TV displaying real-time data from our solar monitor, showcasing how much power we were exporting to the grid. We discussed the remarkable shift from energy-guzzling heating coils to energy-efficient heat pumps for water and space heating, even for drying clothes. Our home's innovative design, including a Murphy Bed that transforms my office into a guest room, allowed for conversations about shared spaces and living at an appropriate scale.

Outside our front door stands a pole, painted by our daughter, bearing the words "May Peace Prevail On Earth" in four languages, a testament to our dream. Achieving this dream necessitates a transformation of our real estate markets and building codes by embracing true peace. Only then can everyone have the opportunity to live as sustainably as we do today. When we poured the back patio, we left our handprints alongside Jackson's in the wet cement, with his name and "2022 C.E." inscribed. Will our marks endure for 500 years, found among the remnants of a forgotten civilization, or will they be discovered on the foundation of a home that has seen numerous retrofits but still stands the test of time? We love living in a net positive house and frequently talk with our neighbors, friends, and other community members about the benefits we have found in doing so.