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
Next-generation materials could deliver up to 39 percent of the emissions cuts needed for fashion to reach net-zero, according to The Sustainability Directive, a resource-aggregating company for those interested in finding solutions to fight climate change.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 8 Dec. 2025
The research supports the nation’s shift to a circular-economy and net-zero goals by turning waste into useful materials and reducing reliance on natural sand.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025
PepsiCo moved its net-zero emissions deadline by a decade, extending it from 2040 to 2050, while also softening some of its near-term targets on emissions from along its supply chain, what are known as Scope 3 emissions.
—Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025
The company also powered its North American properties with 29 percent renewable energy, part of a broader strategy to achieve energy independence and move closer to a goal of becoming net-zero by 2050.
—David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2025
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Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 8 Dec. 2025
The research supports the nation’s shift to a circular-economy and net-zero goals by turning waste into useful materials and reducing reliance on natural sand.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025
PepsiCo moved its net-zero emissions deadline by a decade, extending it from 2040 to 2050, while also softening some of its near-term targets on emissions from along its supply chain, what are known as Scope 3 emissions.
—Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025
The company also powered its North American properties with 29 percent renewable energy, part of a broader strategy to achieve energy independence and move closer to a goal of becoming net-zero by 2050.
—David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 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 15 Dec. 2025.
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