As we celebrate Earth Month, we are highlighting SDG&E employees who advance our commitment to sustainability in their work and everyday lives.
This week, we are featuring SDG&E Green Team members Vlad Pesic and Kay Gorzko-Roach. Vlad is in SDG&E’s Management and Accounting Rotation Program, currently with the corporate Treasury team. Kay has been with the company for three years and works in the Environmental Services Department as an Environmental Project Specialist. Learn more about their work and passion for the environment in the Q&A below.
What motivated you to join the Green Team?
Vlad: I was motivated to join the Green Team during the Earth Week events last year. I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more about SDG&E's ongoing and upcoming sustainability initiatives.
Kay: I want to make a difference in the world, even if it’s just my small corner. The Green Team helps me do that by promoting sustainability inside and outside of the workplace, and educating people on different sustainability issues.
How do you see sustainability playing a part in your day-to-day role at SDG&E?
Vlad: In my role, I assist managing SDG&E's daily cash position to ensure that the company has enough money to fund the ongoing sustainability projects. The Treasury department also was involved in the development of the Sustainable Financing Framework, which lays out how to raise funds for investing in capital-intensive projects, to help us meet our sustainability goals.
Kay: Within the Environmental Services Department as part of the Natural Resources Team, the aim is to make sure that all of SDG&E’s work complies with state and federal laws, and is performed in a sustainable manner to preserve native and protected species.
How does your passion for the environment extend to your life outside of work?
Vlad: My passion for the environment is a big part of my life outside of work. I love to attend volunteering events, I minimize my driving by biking whenever possible, and I adopted a fully plant-based diet.
Kay: My passion reaches into almost every corner of my life. I go out of my way to avoid plastic water bottles and utensils. I carry a Hydroflask and reusable cutlery with me at all times. I shop at Trader Joe’s because they have compostable bags for their loose produce. I recycle as much as I can, and rather than buying gifts from Amazon and other large retailers, I seek out local stores to reduce my carbon footprint and support sustainable businesses. I also volunteer with the Green Team and events when I can, and spend a lot of time outdoors at the beach. Anywhere outdoors really. I get bored very easily and can only really stay indoors for about 4 hours at a time before I lose interest and want to go do something.
About the Green Team
The Green Team’s mission is to educate and empower employees to be environmental stewards at home, work, and in their community. The team leads sustainable initiatives that contribute to making SDG&E the cleanest, safest, and most reliable energy infrastructure company in America.