net zero

American

[net zeer-oh] / ˈnɛt ˈzɪər oʊ /

noun

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

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has said the impact of the rapid expansion of data centres on the UK's efforts to lower carbon emissions to net zero is "inherently uncertain".

From BBC

Miliband made the comment in a letter to MPs who had expressed concerns about data centres not being mentioned in the government's plans to deliver net zero.

From BBC

His committee's new inquiry will examine how much energy and water data centres are likely to use, and how this could impact the government's net zero goals.

From BBC

The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative, a climate-focused investor alliance, used this dainty phrase when it relaunched this week without mentioning its original goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

From The Wall Street Journal

In terms of keeping buildings warm, heat pumps are widely seen as the best way of cutting emissions of carbon dioxide and helping to achieve net zero goals.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023