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
Following the validation of its net-zero and near-term targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the Sri Lankan conglomerate announced its commitment to reducing the total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net-zero by 2048.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 Sep. 2025
Truly reaching net-zero therefore requires the clean industrial transition be accompanied by electricity sector decarbonization.
—Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
More than 100 countries have committed to achieve net-zero carbon status.
—James Cramer, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2025
Its goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
—Brendan Le, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for net-zero
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 Sep. 2025
Truly reaching net-zero therefore requires the clean industrial transition be accompanied by electricity sector decarbonization.
—Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
More than 100 countries have committed to achieve net-zero carbon status.
—James Cramer, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2025
Its goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
—Brendan Le, People.com, 20 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share