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

But moving to more renewable energy is a critical part of the journey to net zero and the transition from fossil fuels.

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026

The Canadian Climate Institute, a policy research organization, said earlier this year that Canada isn’t on track to meet its climate goals, including a 2035 target and net zero emissions by 2050.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026

For others in the party, "the most important thing is the commitment to net zero," she added.

From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026

Previously, this accounted for how companies created social value through measures such as equality and diversity, net zero and the post-Covid recovery.

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 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