'zero-net-energy' is a compound formed from three English words: 'zero', 'net', and 'energy'. 'Zero' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'sifr', which passed into Italian as 'zero' and then into English. 'Net' in this sense derives from Old French 'net' (clean, clear) and from medieval usage meaning 'remaining after deductions'. 'Energy' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'energeia', where 'en-' meant 'in' or 'within' and 'ergon' meant 'work'.

'zero' entered English via Italian and Middle French influences in the late medieval to early modern period; 'net' developed in medieval and early modern English from Old French usages (acquiring the financial/remaining sense); 'energy' passed from Greek through Latin and French into scientific English in the 17th–18th centuries. The compound usage combining these elements into an architectural/engineering term ('zero-energy', 'net-zero', 'zero-net-energy') arose in the late 20th century as sustainability and energy-balance concepts became prominent, eventually stabilizing as 'zero-net-energy' (and variants) in industry literature.

Individually, the roots meant 'nothing' ('zero'), 'remaining/clear' ('net'), and 'capacity to do work' ('energy'), but combined in modern technical usage they now mean 'producing as much energy as is consumed'—a balance concept used especially for buildings and systems.