A LIFE project pioneering new approaches to the circular economy has published its latest case study, which demonstrates how universities can contribute to a more sustainable use of materials by selling surplus scientific instruments.
LIFE REBus (LIFE12 ENV/UK/000608) helps businesses to develop resource-efficient business models (REBMs) to reduce raw material consumption, promote reuse and recycling and dramatically cut waste.
LIFE REBus has produced several in-depth case studies on businesses that have benefited from its know-how and strategic vision, the latest of which – UniGreenScheme – focuses on unused scientific equipment in universities.
The UniGreenScheme collects, stores and sells surplus equipment for UK universities and returns them a share of the profits.
The award-winning asset resale service allows universities to clear out unwanted or outdated instruments which would otherwise be gathering dust and taking up space unnecessarily.
These items can then be resold, generating income for the university and reducing capital costs for the buyer. The scheme has also led to a substantial reduction in the amount of electronic waste.
To date, the service has prevented 36 tonnes of waste, returned more than €36 000 to universities, sold more than 1 000 scientific instruments and generated €120 000 in revenue.
UniGreenScheme has also created ten new job, with more expected to join the company as it expands operations outward from its UK base.
LIFE REBus is working with large organisations and SMEs to pilot innovative resource management models, with the goal of reducing raw material inputs by up to a third and greenhouse gases by a fifth.
The project also expects to help its partners deliver savings of €12 million.
Source: © European Union, 1995-2017