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net-ze·ro | \ ˈnet-ˈzē-(ˌ)rō 
, -ˈzir-(ˌ)ō \
, -ˈzir-(ˌ)ō \Definition of net-zero
: 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
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The first known use of net-zero was in 1936
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