Dean Close students explore SDL's zero-waste operations

How a school work experience day demonstrates SDL's integrated approach to sustainable forestry and renewable energy.

When Dean Close School students stepped onto SDL Solutions' forestry site in June 2025, they embarked on more than just a work experience day. This marked the beginning of tracing the complete lifecycle of sustainable biomass from woodland management to clean energy generation. Their reactions and discoveries provide valuable insights into SDL's abilities and the future of the renewable energy workforce.

For B2B partners looking at biomass suppliers, this student journey shows SDL's strong operations. It also highlights their commitment to developing the next generation of industry talent. These factors affect the long-term value of partnerships and sustainability.

A complete supply chain in action

Sustainable forestry: where innovation meets conservation

At the Natural Resources Wales site, students were surprised with their first encounter: the sophistication of modern forestry operations. Under Forestry Manager Kevin Mitchell's guidance, each student operated genuine John Deere harvesters and forwarders. This is the same advanced machinery that enables SDL to manage woodlands sustainably while maintaining commercial efficiency.

Qiaohui, who studies electronic engineering, was amazed by the machine's abilities. "It was so powerful when the arm picked up the tree," he said. His first idea about forestry was that it involved chainsaws and a lot of hard work. This changed when he saw SDL's technology-driven approach.

This advanced technology shows how SDL has changed since 2008. That year, they started to invest heavily in mechanical tree felling equipment. Today, this foundation enables SDL to offer clients reliable, scalable forestry services while maintaining the safety standards and efficiency required for large-scale operations.

Business Impact: SDL's advanced forestry skills provide a steady biomass supply for their operations. This helps meet the growing sustainability standards in B2B tenders and environmental reports.

Zero-waste timber processing: maximising every resource

The students' next stop was SDL's sawmill, acquired in 2023. which demonstrated how vertical integration creates value from every piece of timber. Here, they witnessed the wood sorting process that grades the quality of the wood. Whilst the construction markets use better quality wood, SDL still collect and reuse lower quality wood and waste sawdust at other stages.

For the students, this represented a revelation about waste management in practice. Qiaohui reflected on the experience and said, "I'm surprised just how little we waste throughout the whole process." His surprise echoes a common misconception about forestry operations, that significant waste is inevitable.

SDL's sawmill investment has completed their 360° biomass supply loop. This addition eliminates third-party dependencies while creating multiple revenue streams from single timber inputs. This integration matters for B2B clients because it demonstrates supply chain control and cost predictions. These are crucial factors for organisations requiring reliable renewable energy partnerships.

Planting the seeds of change

The students' positive responses reveal more than individual career inspiration. They demonstrate SDL's strategic approach to workforce development that benefits the entire renewable energy sector.

Noah's feedback really stood out to us. He said: "I hadn't considered a future in sustainability before, but seeing how SDL uses technology to reduce waste and support the environment was really inspiring. It's changed how I think about engineering and what kind of impact I want to make."

Qiaohui said his experience was "Insightful, Engaging, Hands-on" and noted that "this would've been the best work experience because we got to try to operate the machines." His recommendation to other companies was clear: "Get the student involved in the operation of the company and to learn about the company."

This hands-on approach tackles an important industry problem. It helps create skilled workers who know the technical details and environmental benefits of renewable energy. For B2B partners, SDL's educational initiatives signal a company investing in long-term industry sustainability rather than just immediate profits.

Technology changing perceptions

The students' reactions highlighted how SDL's operations challenge traditional perceptions of forestry and biomass. Qiaohui was surprised at the amount of innovation involved. His idea of forestry before this placement was "still about chainsaws and a lot of man power". This reflects broader market misconceptions that SDL's integrated approach helps to correct.

When asked about technology's role in environmental solutions, Qiaohui said: "It's very important and is pretty much everywhere through the process of zero waste." This insight demonstrates how SDL's operations serve as proof points for technology-driven environmental solutions. This provides valuable evidence for B2B clients requiring sustainability credentials.

CHP biomass: converting understanding to energy

The centerpiece of the students' journey was SDL's Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant at Stanley's Quarry. This plant is one of a kind and a unique design in England. Powered entirely by brash and low-quality woodchip from SDL's own operations, this facility represents significant engineering achievement that impressed even technically-minded students.

Qiaohui identified this as the most forward-thinking part of SDL's operation. He said: "The zero waste in the process and the biomass energy plant." His recognition of the plant's innovation reflects its genuine technical significance:

• Grid Connection: Licensed power generation feeding the national grid since March 2017

• Fuel Integration: 100% waste wood and forestry residuals from SDL's own forestry and site clearance operations

• Heat Recovery: Thermal energy supports adjacent pellet production facility and wood drying facilities

• Scale: England's largest biomass CHP plant of its type

For B2B clients, these specifications demonstrate SDL's capability to handle large-scale renewable energy generation while maintaining fuel supply independence. These are critical factors for organisations requiring reliable clean energy partnerships.

State-of-the-art wood pellet production: innovation in practice

In 2021, SDL Pellets was installed and the design was the largest wood pellet production facility of its kind in England. This was the final stop on the students work experience journey with SDL. Here, they witnessed the seamless integration of heat from the CHP plant supporting EN Plus A1 grade pellet production.

Qiaohui's suggestion for future innovation focused on further efficiency improvements. He suggested "the fuel for the machines, a more efficient engine to power the woodchipper." This engineering perspective demonstrates how SDL's operations inspire technical thinking about continuous improvement. This is exactly the mindset required for long-term innovation partnerships and future growth of the industry.

Strategic partnership implications

The students' experience reveals several key factors that matter for B2B partnerships with SDL:

Proven integration capabilities

The seamless flow from forestry through processing to energy generation demonstrates operational maturity that reduces supply chain risks for partner organisations.

Educational leadership

SDL's investment in developing future industry talent suggests a partner committed to sector advancement rather than just immediate transactions.

Technology innovation

Student recognition of SDL's technological sophistication indicates genuine innovation capability that can support partners' own innovation requirements.

Environmental authenticity

The students were genuinely surprised at SDL's zero-waste achievements demonstrates measurable environmental outcomes that support partner sustainability reporting.

Future-focused operations

SDL's current plans extend beyond today's impressive facilities. Planned carbon capture technology could capture up to 3 tons of carbon each hour. Additionally, they are also looking at forming a replanting team. This will help create a true circular economy in all our operations.

As CEO Sam Launchbury told the students: "We believe in creating opportunities for young people to see the real potential in this sector. By showing the full journey from managed forests to clean energy production, we're not only raising awareness of sustainability. We're helping the next generation see what's possible."

For B2B partners, this forward-thinking approach indicates a supplier preparing for evolving environmental regulations and market demands, rather than just meeting today's requirements.

Building Tomorrow's Renewable Energy Workforce

Zach Suckle, Head of Futures at Dean Close School, shared its importance: "This was a fantastic work experience day out of the classroom. It gave our students a genuine insight into the scale of opportunity in sectors they may never have considered, and catered to their interests, from sustainable engineering to renewable energy."

Qiaohui suggests that other companies should "involve students in the company's operations." This shows that people appreciate SDL's practical approach to education. This is an approach that develops the skilled workforce the renewable energy sector requires.

Partnership with proven performance

The Dean Close students' journey through SDL's operations revealed more than impressive facilities. It demonstrated a company that has strategically built integrated capabilities around genuine sustainability principles and workforce development.

For B2B clients evaluating renewable energy partners, the student experience highlights SDL's unique combination of:

• Complete supply chain control from forestry through energy generation

• Technology leadership with England's largest facilities of their type

• Educational investment developing future industry capabilities

• Innovation commitment with ongoing facility and technology development

• Genuine environmental efforts with measurable zero-waste outcomes

The students left SDL with a deeper understanding of career horizons and renewable energy possibilities. B2B partners can expect similar transformation in their own sustainability capabilities through partnership with SDL Solutions.

Are you ready to explore how SDL Solutions' integrated approach can enhance your renewable energy and sustainability objectives?

Contact SDL Solutions to discuss your specific requirements and discover how their comprehensive biomass operations can support your environmental credentials and operational goals.