net zero

American  

[net zeer-oh] / ˈnɛt ˈzɪər oʊ /

noun

1. the condition of producing no more greenhouse gas emissions than are removed, reabsorbed, or offset.

   Our goal is net zero even if that is not yet precisely attainable.

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adjective

1. Also net-zero relating to, producing, or resulting in no overall increase in negative environmental impacts, such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emission, or water use.

   The possibility of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 remains affected by many uncertainties.

   Net-zero apartment buildings have become highly desirable in urban settings.

   Attracting investors is a major incentive for adopting a net-zero business model.

Etymology

Origin of net zero

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Guterres warned that the world was "dangerously" off track in efforts to reach the global goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026

"Until we reduce global carbon emissions to net zero, we'll continue to heat the planet and temperature records will continue to be broken," he said.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

The Nebraska suit says Deutsche Boerse in 2022 joined the Net Zero Financial Service Providers Alliance, a coalition of financial institutions committed to achieving global net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Fossil fuel roadmaps differ to national pledges to reduce emissions or "net zero" plans because they have an explicit end goal, said Leo Roberts, an energy analyst at the E3G think tank.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

What are the odds of a computer making thousands of errors and having them all balance out to a net zero difference?

From Terminal Compromise: computer terrorism: when privacy and freedom are the victims: a novel by Schwartau, Winn