As with any innovation, the integration of sustainability in school life requires vision and strategic leadership. This paper acknowledges the role that the school principals are invited to play for the promotion of sustainability in schools. In order to respond to that role, effectively, there are some key prerequisites that they have to fulfil:
- a shift from their role as managers towards being leaders, as well as
- literacy about sustainability,
- attitudes towards sustainability,
- knowledge of strategies to facilitate sustainability in all school life facets,
- curriculum and learning strategies.
The purpose of this paper is to expand on the principal’s role as a leader in a sustainable school rather than a mere manager. In order to do that it initially evaluates the current situation. The research project is a national-wide survey. A detailed questionnaire was administered to all principals of all the primary schools in the country and within it; the researchers try to establish the current profile of the Cyprus school administration with respect to sustainability. The principals are invited to give detailed information about their schools functions, their interactions with their staff as well as their role as facilitator of many activities focalised in Sustainability.