An Interview with Michael McLeod, Managing Director of UniGreenScheme

UniGreenScheme is a pioneering business that specialises in the reuse of laboratory equipment—helping institutions, businesses and organisations recover value, reduce waste, and contribute to a greener future. Sian, the Business Development Representative and newest addition to the team, sat down with Michael McLeod the Managing Director of UniGreenScheme to learn more about his journey, the company’s impact, and what’s next for the business.

Q: Michael, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to start UniGreenScheme?

Certainly! My academic background in Sport and Exercise Sciences, along with my postgraduate research in Human Metabolism, provided me with a strong foundation in resource efficiency and sustainability, and I’ve always been passionate about finding practical solutions to environmental challenges. During my time in academia, I noticed that universities were routinely disposing of valuable laboratory equipment—sometimes barely used—simply because they no longer needed it or lacked the space to store it. This was a huge loss, both financially and environmentally. I saw an opportunity to create a structured, scalable way to recover and reuse this equipment, ensuring it finds a new home rather than ending up as waste. That’s how UniGreenScheme was born.

Q: What sets UniGreenScheme apart from other surplus equipment resellers?

UniGreenScheme is built on sustainability, transparency, and efficiency. Unlike traditional resellers, we provide a complete managed service. We offer a range of options and can typically provide upfront rebate, and our extensive knowledge on specialist and scientific equipment allow us to accurately appraise and offer a full brokering service. Our process is designed to be hassle-free, giving organisations an easy way to clear surplus assets while actively contributing to sustainability targets. Additionally, we provide clear reporting so our users can track the environmental and financial impact of their participation.

Q: How does your work contribute to the circular economy?

The circular economy is all about keeping valuable resources in use for as long as possible, and that’s exactly what we do. Instead of laboratory equipment being discarded or left unused in storage rooms, we ensure wherever possible that it gets repurposed. This reduces the demand for new manufacturing, cuts down on carbon emissions, and allows perfectly functional equipment to find a new home. It’s a win-win for institutions, buyers, and the environment.

Q: Can you share an example of the impact UniGreenScheme has had?

Absolutely. We’ve worked with multiple universities across the UK, and the results have been fantastic. One university, for instance, recovered over £200,000 from surplus lab equipment that would have otherwise been discarded. This not only provided them with additional funds for research but also significantly reduced waste. To date, we’ve helped rehome thousands of pieces of equipment, saving institutions money and making a measurable impact on sustainability efforts.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in running a sustainable business?

One of the main challenges is changing perceptions. Many institutions initially see surplus equipment as ‘waste’ rather than an asset. There’s also a degree of inertia—universities are busy places, and introducing new sustainability initiatives can take time. However, once they see the financial and environmental benefits, the response is overwhelmingly positive. Another challenge is logistics—laboratory equipment varies greatly in size, condition, and complexity, so creating a smooth collection and resale process has required careful refinement over the years.

Q: What’s next for UniGreenScheme?

We’re constantly looking for ways to grow and expand our impact. Our goal is to work with even more universities and research institutions, private laboratories and other specialist equipment users scaling our operations across the UK and beyond. We’re also exploring partnerships with manufacturers and industry bodies, as well as attending events and technical conferences to promote the benefits of reuse further. Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we want to keep driving innovation and education in this space.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give to institutions looking to adopt more sustainable practices?

Start small but think big. Often, sustainability initiatives can seem overwhelming, but small changes—like rethinking what happens to surplus equipment—can have a big impact. Partnering with organisations that specialise in reuse and resale can make the process seamless. Most importantly, engage staff and students in the sustainability conversation. The more people understand the benefits, the more momentum you can build towards a greener future.