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

Holcim has repeatedly stressed it is committed to reaching net zero by 2050, but has argued that lawmakers should decide how those goals are met.

From Barron's

Nordhaus said if the rate at which the economy has decarbonized since 1970 continues, the world will hit net zero by 2080.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The disposal will free up Spirit’s time and resources for the development of the Morecambe Net Zero carbon storage project” he writes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Already the West Country is a "hotbed for anaerobic digestion and biogas", according to Matt Hindle, head of Net Zero at Wales and West.

From BBC

From 2030, all new cars will have to be electric or hybrid as part of government efforts to meet a legally binding aim of achieving "net zero" by 2050.

From BBC