zero-emissionhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zero-emission_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezero-emission, n. & adj.
First published 1999

zero-emissionnoun & adjective

  1. 1952–
    a. n. (Esp. with reference to vehicles or industrial processes) emission of no or very few pollutants; b. adj. (esp. of a vehicle or industrial process) characterized by the emission of no or very few pollutants; cf. low emission adj.
    Emissions are typically products of combustion, and may be gaseous or in particulate form. In the context of global warming, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are often implied.
    1. 1952
      Thus we have zero emission of nitrogen oxides now, against a very definite amount a few years ago.
      Proceedings Ann. Meeting Air Pollution & Smoke Prevention Assoc. Amer. 66/1
    2. 1971
      Spaces with zero-emission were entered in the clean zone and the optimum distribution of emission rates..was found.
      Atmospheric Environment vol. 5 61
    3. 1991
      A new California clean air law mandates that by 1998, 2 percent of a manufacturer's sales in the state release zero emissions.
      Dispatch (Gilroy, California) 26 July b4/1
    4. 1996
      A $50 million investment fund (to be financed by governments) to underwrite zero-emissions factories.
      Fast Company June 114/1
    5. 2001
      Our children's children may run their energy-efficient world on zero-emission fuel cells powered by plentiful hydrogen.
      Review (Rio Tinto plc) December 9/2
    6. 2002
      A century revolutionised by the combustion engine could..make way for a new era defined by zero-emission vehicles using a completely different technology.
      D. Goleman et al., Business: Ultimate Resource 1825/3
    7. 2007
      It will still emit considerable pollution, though less than a conventional coal plant. ‘Calling it zero-emission is a blatant lie.’
      Chicago Tribune (Midwest edition) 19 December i. 10/5

Originally published as part of the entry for zero, n. & adj.

zero-emission, n. & adj. was first published in 1999.