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

See Examples For:

net zero

"Otherwise, we can't get to net zero," he said, "because you'll always have a bunch of emissions from metal mining from this process."

From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026

But this net zero target does not include emissions from flights.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

Having been in the running to become chancellor, the former Labour leader made headlines as energy secretary in Sir Keir Starmer's cabinet, grabbing headlines for his championing of net zero policies.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

In a shot across the bows, it also called for the transition towards net zero carbon emissions to avoid "industrial vandalism", referencing job losses in the oil sector.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 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 Winn Schwartau