"Schools have a vital role to play in preparing our young people to take their place as informed, engaged, and empowered citizens who will be pivotal in shaping the future of our communities, our province, our country, and our global environment.” Ontario Ministry of Education, Shaping Our Schools, Shaping Our Future (2007),p.1

As with all initiatives impacting the school, this environmental thrust by the Ministry will be implemented successfully, only if the whole school engages in it and shares a passion to see changes in behaviour that will result in environmentally sustainable practices in the school and community. Research has demonstrated that where a whole school approach is adopted, participation of all stakeholders increases. The principal will have to monitor the implementation and hold the various stakeholders accountable for their actions. Because of this, principals have to model the behaviour they want to see in others. The principal is key for this initiative to have traction.