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
In December 2023, a declaration pledging to triple nuclear energy to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 was signed by more than 20 countries, including Finland.
—Anna Heim, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
The aviation industry's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 creates a favorable tailwind for companies like Expliseat.
—Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Following the validation of its net-zero and near-term targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the Sri Lankan conglomerate announced its commitment to reducing the total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net-zero by 2048.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 Sep. 2025
For large companies, that includes having a net-zero plan in line with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for net-zero
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Anna Heim, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
The aviation industry's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 creates a favorable tailwind for companies like Expliseat.
—Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Following the validation of its net-zero and near-term targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the Sri Lankan conglomerate announced its commitment to reducing the total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net-zero by 2048.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 Sep. 2025
For large companies, that includes having a net-zero plan in line with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 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 17 Sep. 2025.
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