An Interview with Michael McLeod, Managing Director of UniGreenScheme


Interview

An Interview with Michael McLeod, Managing Director of UniGreenScheme

Sian sits down with Michael McLeod the Managing Director of UniGreenScheme to learn more about his journey.

An image of the UniGreenScheme Managing Director Michael Mcleod
Michael McLeod at our main site on Pontygwindy Industrial Estate, Caerphilly
Interview at a glance

Question

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

Answer

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.

Question

What sets UniGreenScheme apart from other surplus equipment resellers?

Answer

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.

Question

How does your work contribute to the circular economy?

Answer

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.

“The more people understand the benefits, the more momentum you can build towards a greener future.”

Question

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

Answer

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.

Question

What’s next for UniGreenScheme?

Answer

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.

Question

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

Answer

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.

Final thought

Mike highlights how UniGreenScheme is turning surplus laboratory equipment into measurable financial return and environmental impact through smarter, more sustainable reuse.

Next step

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