DSC became active participants in the Cities for Climate Protection Program (CCP) in 1999 and is one of the few Councils in FNQ to have reached CCP Plus status. CCP is an innovative international program that helps local governments and their communities reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and impact on the environment.

In Australia, CCP is delivered collaboratively through ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiaves) and the AGO (Australian Greenhouse Office - Department of the Environment and Water Resources). There are currently 225 councils participating in CCP, representing over 82 per cent of Australia's population.

The CCP Program builds local government capacity to address climate change through a strategic milestone framework. This framework empowers councils to make an inventory of their greenhouse gas emissions, set reduction goals, plan and implement actions, and monitor their progress.