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

Delta has invested in renewable electricity procurement, net-zero buildings, geothermal systems, waste heat recovery, and energy monitoring. —Anna Broughel, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

While there is the issue of radioactive waste, proponents of nuclear power point towards the carbon-free generation of abundant power possible in the short term, which allows countries to meet their net-zero goals. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026

As part of its path toward net-zero by 2050, Hyosung’s textile division is seeking growth in overall sales of its products that have sustainable properties by 2030. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

Compensating for unavoidable emissions To achieve net-zero emissions, Formula 1 will need to purchase carbon offsets to cover the remaining gap. —Caitlin Grady, The Conversation, 19 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for net-zero

• subzero
• biro
• spiro
• zero
• superhero