Saving energy has long been a driving force in Jim Bender’s life. He traces that mindset to his parents, who grew up during the Great Depression, when thrift and conservation were a way of life. Entering the workforce during the oil crisis of the 1970s reinforced the importance of energy use and its financial and environmental impacts. Today, Jim carries that philosophy into his Del Ray home and daily routines.

When the Benders moved into their 1940s-era home in 1995, Jim immediately focused on efficiency upgrades.

“In the ’40s, energy efficiency was not a thing,” Jim said with a laugh. “There was no insulation in the walls and barely any between the attic and second floor ceiling.”

His first projects included installing an attic fan and adding six inches of fiberglass insulation.

“It made a huge difference,” he said.

But he did not stop there. Because the wood-frame home with brick facing had little protection from outdoor temperatures, Jim rebuilt interior walls to add insulation and replaced outdated wiring at the same time. Original single-pane windows were swapped out for more efficient replacements. Together, the upgrades improved comfort while lowering heating and cooling costs.

After tackling the biggest projects, the family focused on smaller efficiencies, including energy-saving appliances and lighting. But for Jim, saving energy is also about habits.

“I drive everyone in the house crazy monkeying around with the thermostat,” he joked.

In winter, he lowers the heat and adds blankets. During summer peak energy hours, he often cools only the room he is using rather than running central air. Participating in Dominion Energy’s peak-time rebate program also helped him better understand how individual choices affect the electric grid.

Three years ago, the family added solar panels — perhaps the clearest sign of Jim’s commitment.

“I’ve learned more about how I consume energy from the solar app than anything else,” he said.

The system tracks household energy spikes from air conditioning, laundry and dishwashers, helping the family make smarter choices. For much of spring and early summer, their electric bill falls below $10, and for about half the year, their home produces more energy than it consumes.

Jim believes saving energy extends beyond technology.

“There’s so much we can do when we put our minds to it,” he said. “Your day-to-day actions have an environmental impact.”

For Jim, recognition through Eco-City Homes is simply encouragement to keep the conversation going.

“It’s good to promote these actions,” he said. “I like to see that it’s more of a public dialogue.”