Zero emission

Zero emission describes a building, a vehicle, a production process, service or other infrastructure or activity in the construction, execution, use or disposal of any polluting emissions. The term is not protected by law and can apply according to different pollutants, as well as parts of the production or utilization process. Examples of zero emissions are a zero-emission vehicle or a plus -energy house.

In comprehensive consideration of the concept of zero emission would have to cover the entire life cycle and thus a complete life cycle assessment of all relevant pollutants. But only individual components are often covered. Thus, zero emission with respect to the global warming can only refer to GHG emissions such as carbon dioxide or methane, while in the appellation of a bicycle as a zero emission vehicle production and disposal are excluded. The same is true for example for wind turbines or photovoltaic whose operation is emission-free, in the production and recycling but quite incurred emissions of various kinds.

Zero emissions can also just be computationally meant. In a Plusenergiehaus example is indeed expected over a year produces more energy than is consumed inside. Because production but not taking place simultaneously with the consumption, can, strictly speaking, but emissions. Moreover, here as zero emission electric and thermal energy initially only meant waste streams, transport, and water and sanitation are not included in the rule.