Saving energy has 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. Later, entering the workforce during the oil crisis of the 1970s reinforced the idea that everyday energy use carries both financial and environmental consequences.

When the Benders moved into their 1940s-era Del Ray home in 1995, Jim immediately began making improvements.

“In the ’40s, energy efficiency was not a thing,” he said with a laugh. “There was no insulation in the walls and about this much insulation between the attic and ceiling of the second floor.”

His first projects included installing an attic fan and adding six inches of fiberglass insulation. He later rebuilt interior walls to add insulation and replaced decades-old wiring at the same time. Original single-pane windows were also replaced with more efficient models.

Together, the upgrades made the home more comfortable while lowering heating and cooling costs.

But Jim believes energy savings is about more than home improvements.

“I drive everyone in the house crazy monkeying around with the thermostat,” he said. During the winter, he lowers the heat and relies on blankets. In the summer, he often avoids running central air during peak-demand periods, cooling only the room he is using with a small window unit. Participating in Dominion Energy’s peak-time rebate program helped him better understand how individual choices affect the electric grid.

Three years ago, the family installed solar panels, giving Jim even greater insight into how and when energy is used.

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

The system tracks energy use throughout the day, showing spikes from air conditioning, laundry and other household activities. The payoff is significant: during much of the spring and early summer, the family’s electric bill drops below $10, and for roughly half the year the home produces more energy than it consumes.

Still, Jim believes the biggest impact comes from everyday decisions.

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

Being recognized through Eco-City Homes is gratifying, he said, not because of the recognition itself but because it helps keep the conversation going.

“I’m glad to be recognized for stuff I’ve been doing all of my adult life, even when it wasn’t that popular,” he said with a laugh. “It’s good to promote these actions. I like to see that it’s more of a public dialogue.”