From plants to pedals, Scott Lequesne is making sustainability and wellness at his station more accessible – one project at a time. Scott is the Paramedic Supervisor at BC Emergency Health Services Station 337 in Vernon, where he ensures patients receive high-quality care while also supporting staff wellbeing. His leadership strengthens workforce capacity by enhancing wellness infrastructure while promoting healthier ecosystems around his station, aligning with the objectives of the Ministry of Health’s Climate Change and Sustainability Plan.
For Scott, delivering high-quality patient care is directly connected to staff wellbeing. This belief inspired him to apply for funding for two projects through the Sustainability Stream of PHSA’s Health Promotion Initiative Fund (HPIF), with financial support provided by the Green+Leaders program. Each year, the Energy and Environmental Sustainability (EES) team collaborates with HPIF to support Green+Leader projects that advance energy and environmental sustainability. Since 2023, Scott has received funding for two initiatives at his station: a cultural garden and healing space, and a secure bike storage unit.
Scott’s goal with these projects was to create a positive impact on both staff and the environment. As he explains, “Sustainability and wellness go hand in hand – when we invest in healthy workplaces and environmentally responsible practices, everyone benefits.”
When designing the garden, Scott worked closely with Indigenous staff members at his station and consulted with the Okanagan Indian Band to ensure the garden reflected Indigenous knowledge and included culturally significant plants, such as local sage used in spiritual healing practices. Their collaboration reflects the importance of Indigenous teachings in fostering sustainability, connection, and wellbeing.
Since their completion, the garden and bike storage unit have become valued features at Station 337. In just a few months, 10 staff members have begun using the bike storage unit, and interest in cycling as a low-carbon, active transportation option continues to grow. Scott has also received positive feedback on the cultural garden, with staff sharing that they appreciate having a calm and restorative outdoor space away from the demands of daily operations.
His advice for others looking to integrate sustainability and wellness into their workplace is to listen to staff needs, start small, and “look for projects that can achieve multiple goals at once – supporting wellness, sustainability, community engagement, and workplace culture.”
The garden and bike storage unit are just the beginning at Station 337. Scott hopes to continue developing projects that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable workplace. He also hopes these initiatives will demonstrate that “investing in people and the environment is an investment in the future of health care.”
