net-zero
adjective
net-ze·ro
ˈnet-ˈzē-(ˌ)rō 
-ˈzir-(ˌ)ō
: resulting in neither a surplus nor a deficit of something specified when gains and losses are added together
net-zero carbon emissions
The General Services Administration has sealed an unusual deal to guarantee achievement of net-zero energy consumption in a federal facility …—
Charles S. Clark
Charles S. Clark
especially, of buildings
: producing enough energy (as through solar panels or passive heating) to offset any energy consumed
By 2020 all new homes built in California will have to be net-zero buildings that produce enough power to offset all their energy needs … —K. Kaufmann
K. Kaufmann Another affordable, net-zero house is under construction in North Minneapolis, and a third is in development at the school. —John Cary
John Cary Examples of net-zero in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The International Maritime Organization has set a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and the European Union has established regulations and requirements that compel shippers to reduce emissions to operate in the region.
—Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
None of them has a 2050 target for net-zero emissions; their targets are 2060 or 2070.
—Daniel Yergin, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
By 2030, Google wants to have net-zero emissions while Microsoft’s goal is to be carbon negative by that year.
—Jordan Novet, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025
Sustainability is a key focus, with the industry aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 and investing in alternative fuel technologies.
—Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for net-zero
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Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
None of them has a 2050 target for net-zero emissions; their targets are 2060 or 2070.
—Daniel Yergin, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
By 2030, Google wants to have net-zero emissions while Microsoft’s goal is to be carbon negative by that year.
—Jordan Novet, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025
Sustainability is a key focus, with the industry aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 and investing in alternative fuel technologies.
—Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for net-zero
Cite this Entry
“Net-zero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/net-zero. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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