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Net zero definition

Net zero or carbon neutral means that any carbon emissions released are offset, typically by buying an equivalent number of offsets. In the case of electricity, ‘net zero’ could be achieved by sending to the grid a quantity of electricity with zero emissions equal to the quantity of electricity taken from the grid.
Net zero means that the energy produced on-site over the period of a given year is equal to the installation’s energy demand. This implies a connection to a local power grid, which in a sense “banks” the energy. Thus on-site renewable resources, such as solar energy systems, may produce energy greater than that used by the installation during the day, with excess energy fed into the local grid. At night, when the solar system is not producing energy, the installation can pull the previously “banked” energy from the grid to net out the total consumption.
Net zero emissions means that the total of active removals from the atmosphere offsets any remaining emissions from the rest of the economy.”

Examples of Net zero in a sentence

  • Net zero energy, water, or waste will not be feasible for all federal buildings as it may not be life-cycle cost-effective.

  • Net zero scenario shows higher potential for biomethane and hydrogen.

  • Net zero emission communities meet energy demand through energy efficient buildings and infrastructure, and low carbon or carbon free forms of energy, and offset any greenhouse gas emissions that cannot be eliminated.

  • Domestic targets are targets that New Zealand decided as part of its domestic policy decisions.• Net zero emissions of all GHG other than biogenic methane by 2050• 24 to 47 per cent reduction below 2017 biogenic methane emissions by 2050, including 10 per cent reduction below 2017 biogenic methane emissions by 2030.

  • Net zero achievement requires a reduction not only from direct and energy use emissions but also indirect GHG emissions such as related to the purchase of goods and commodities (scope 3).


More Definitions of Net zero

Net zero means achieving overall, zero greenhouse gas emissions by balancing any emissions from energy use with carbon removal via a combination of reducing usage, changing to low or zero energy sources (i.e. renewable energy sources) changing agricultural and industrial processes and carbon offsetting.
Net zero means that globally, we reach a point at which CO2 sources equal CO2 sinks.
Net zero means any residual emissions from IAG operations in 2050, or by the manufacture and transport of goods supplied to the Group, will be mitigated by an equivalent amount of CO2 removed from the atmosphere via carbon removals.
Net zero means a building that generates as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis;
Net zero as used herein means the Science-Based Targets Initiative (“SBTi”) Net Zero definition, from the SBTi Net Zero Standard (https:// sciencebasedtargets.org/resources/files/Net-Zero-Standard.pdf) pursuant to which we are committed to (a) reducing our scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to zero or a residual level consistent with a 1.5°C pathway and (b) will neutralise the impact of any residual emissions by permanently removing an equivalent volume of GHG emissions.
Net zero means focus on reductions and ramp up removals. On top, they can
Net zero emissions means that the total of active removals from the atmosphere offsets any remaining emissions from the rest of the economy. The removals are expected to be important given the difficulty in entirely eliminating emissions from some sectors.