If the target is not met, the ESCO must pay for the shortfall. Over the life of these contracts, the Leonardo Academy report estimates that performance contract-based projects initiated by Johnson Controls from 1990 through 2010 will eliminate 1.4 million tons of nitric oxide, 1.9 million tons of sulfur dioxide, and 34,000 tons of particulates. The Leonardo Academy report also estimated the effect of the projects implemented by Johnson Controls contracts on emissions in 2010, because this is the year used as a benchmark for greenhouse gas emissions. Improving Earth's air quality through emission reductions is a worldwide concern and part of the terms recently negotiated in the Kyoto climate change treaty in Japan. The Kyoto protocol set targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in 2010 to levels slightly below those existing in 1990.
Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas.
Consumers and businesses can make tax-deductible donations to Leonardo Academy that will be used to purchase and retire emission reductions that offset the emissions caused by the donors energy use.