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.

---

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

The Scottish government has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2045 - five years earlier than the UK government's target date of 2050.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Recent studies have shown a decline in the public's sense of urgency around reaching net zero across the UK too.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 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

The U.K.’s Climate Change Committee, a public advisory body for the government, said last month that reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 would be cheaper for the country than one fossil-fuel crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 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