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
Shein has pulled its net-zero pledge in Germany after a local watchdog group compelled the e-tail juggernaut to substantiate its claim or drop it.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
Achieving net-zero emissions will cost hundreds of trillions of dollars and yield benefits that are much smaller.
—Bjorn Lomborg, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
The nation aims for net-zero emissions by 2030.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
Saudi Arabia's ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 reinforces the need to align growth, sustainability, and national priorities in a way that is grounded in operational reality.
—CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
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Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
Achieving net-zero emissions will cost hundreds of trillions of dollars and yield benefits that are much smaller.
—Bjorn Lomborg, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
The nation aims for net-zero emissions by 2030.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
Saudi Arabia's ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 reinforces the need to align growth, sustainability, and national priorities in a way that is grounded in operational reality.
—CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
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 15 Feb. 2026.
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