Localizing Our Supply Chains

Localizing supply chains needs to happen globally so we can maximize environmental and economic progress by eliminating as much of the transport-related environmental and cost burdens as possible. This applies especially here in Northeastern Massachusetts, where we can do much to improve our supply and demand systems.

An interesting new development that doubles down on both the invention of new green production processes as well as the minimization of supply chain transport costs was recently published by Bloomberg. They wrote a story on May 22nd entitled “Why Microsoft Just Signed a Deal for Green Cement.”

The story explains that a Somerville, MA start-up company, Sublime Systems, has a new technology that produces “green” cement. Sublime uses an electrochemical process that eliminates the use of limestone, which is cement’s main ingredient and which releases carbon dioxide when it’s heated during the cement production process. Limestone is also very dense, and delivering the raw material is itself environmentally burdensome. Right now, at its 250-ton-per-year pilot plant in Somerville, Sublime has reduced its cement production emissions by 90 percent compared to the traditional process, according to their chief executive as quoted in the Boston Globe.

To help the company further commercialize its plant, Microsoft has offered to purchase up to 622,500 metric tons of the company’s cement over a period of six to nine years and claim the carbon reductions associated with that cement. Sublime will start delivering on its deal with Microsoft when its first 30,000-ton commercial plant is operational, currently slated to be completed in 2027.

This gets ACES thinking: as new, greener processes are invented or improved, why not emphasize that those new processes become part of our own regional supply chains? For example, why not a central MA or southern NH cement plant servicing all of New England’s needs? Situated close to both the Mass Pike and Route 495, it could easily access highways to service the concrete needs of the region.

Another new green technology that could use a nudge to become a bigger and better process is vertical farming in old industrial buildings across the region. Why not grow year-round veggies under solar-powered grow lights, hydroponically, in old mill buildings in Amesbury, Greater Lawrence, or Haverhill? If the newish cannabis growing facility in Salisbury has shown us anything, it’s that we can grow lots of different things under artificial lighting.

What else, you ask? New York State has regulations and farm laws that now allow forest-farmed venison to be managed and harvested. The Hudson Valley has since become a mini-mecca for chefs utilizing this high-quality regional product, and it has grown dramatically in popularity. Apparently, collaborating with the Culinary Institute of America along the Hudson River, venison has expanded its menu adoption. While studies need to be done concerning its greenhouse gas effects, they are likely to be much less problematic than industrialized beef production. Venison also doesn’t require the corn and other feed crops grown to feed cattle or the nationwide transport required to distribute them. Maybe New England should encourage a venison supply chain of its own.

In the ‘big picture,’ we need to look at all the smaller local pictures and find ways to encourage regional economic development that enhances small-scale, green, and cost-effective supply chains. The development of such supply chains will create three important and positive outcomes. First, it will provide jobs and economic development regionally. Second, it will insulate us from global supply shocks that may be impacted by tariffs, wars, or transportation breakdowns. Third, it will give us the opportunity to encourage new, greener technologies to emerge and benefit our region.

Environmental leaders think new and localized supply chains, emphasizing greener processes and reduced transport emissions, represent a promising view of the future. We’d love to hear your thoughts about it, too.

ACES team members believe everyone can make a BIG difference together. We invite you to stay updated on environmental matters by subscribing to our monthly newsletter via the “Subscribe to Updates” link on ACES’ website – https://www.aces-alliance.org/. Please consider joining our community of stewards committed to Make Every Day Earth Day by contacting acesnewburyport@gmail.com.

This educational column was originally published by The Daily News of Newburyport on September 12, 2025.