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

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

Another affordable, net-zero house is under construction in North Minneapolis, and a third is in development at the school.

—John Cary

Examples of net-zero in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Energy security through renewables While the goal of switching to renewables is usually driven by net-zero targets, Fortescue is also making the shift to secure its energy needs. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 14 Apr. 2026

The most notable recent solar project in Lake County was at the ROC, the county’s first net-zero building. —Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

Malaysia is also considering nuclear energy to power its growing data center industry without abandoning its net-zero commitments. —Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026

In 2023, South Korea needed a major renewable expansion -- about 8 gigawatts of new wind annually -- to meet net-zero goals, think tank Agora Energiewende said. —Arkansas Online, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for net-zero

• nonzero
• subzero
• biro
• spiro
• zero
• superhero