net zero meaning: definition, quotations

net-zero

adjalso spelled net-zero

Resulting in neither a surplus or deficit because gains and losses cancel out.

net-zero carbon emissions
"We're on an important journey - to support the Government's target of being net-zero by 2050, to help the country build back better as we recover from the pandemic, and to help passengers and freight users make the greenest choices they can."2020 November 18, “Network News: Network Rail sets science-based global warming targets”, in Rail, page 22:

Architecture, Business, Electrical engineering, Electricity, Electromagnetism, Energy, Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Physics Of a building or system, generating as much energy through solar, wind, and other renewable resources as it uses from the electricity network.

Heath's home is defined as net-zero, which means it produces as much energy as it consumes throughout the year.2010, Julianna Cummins and Edmonton Journal, Sun shines on Belgravia eco home, Calgary Herald

noun

Abbreviation, Ellipsis Ellipsis of net zero greenhouse gas emissions; carbon neutrality.

Carbon offsets are a popular route for reaching “net zero” – Oliver cited one study which found that two-thirds of companies in heavily polluting industries relied on offsets instead of emissions reductions to reach carbon neutrality.2022 August 22, Adrian Horton, “John Oliver on corporate ‘net zero’ proposals: ‘We cannot offset our way out of climate change’”, in The Guardian:
It is understood he [Chris Skidmore] had no problem in working with Rees-Mogg but wanted to continue promoting net zero.2022 September 6, “Jacob Rees-Mogg, who decried ‘climate alarmism’, to take on UK energy brief”, in The Guardian:

1 more example

The Cop28 presidency released a draft text in the early evening on Monday, which called for “reducing both consumption and production of fossil fuels, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, so as to achieve net zero by, before or around 2050, in keeping with the science”.2023 December 11, Fiona Harvey, Patrick Greenfield, Nina Lakhani, Adam Morton, Damian Carrington, “Cop28 draft climate deal criticised as ‘grossly insufficient’ and ‘incoherent’”, in The Guardian, →ISSN: