Carbon Footprint Reduction Research Articles

Sailing into the future: technologies, challenges, and opportunities for maritime communication networks in the 6G era

The maritime domain is a major driver of economic growth with emerging services, comprising intelligent transportation systems (ITSs), smart ports, security and safety, and ocean monitoring systems. Sixth generation (6G) mobile networks will offer various technologies, paving the way for reliable and autonomous maritime communication networks (MCNs), supporting these novel maritime services. This review presents the main enabling technologies for future MCNs and relevant use cases, including ITSs with reduced carbon footprint, ports and maritime infrastructure security, as well as fault detection and predictive maintenance. Moreover, the current trends in integrated satellite-aerial-terrestrial-maritime network architectures are discussed together with the different network segments and communication technologies, and machine learning integration aspects.

Utilization of dumped coal ash from power-plant landfills for carbon footprint reduction in sustainable pavement base construction

This study presents a novel methodology for repurposing dumped coal ash (DCA) from power plant landfills, aiming to reduce waste and lower carbon footprint of pavement base construction. Three DCAs were modified into two distinct particle groups through sieving: fine particles for cement replacement, evaluated against a ternary cementitious binder with fly ash (FA) and flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FG) using Response surface methodology (RSM), and coarse particles for aggregate treatment. The modified DCA mixes and conventional cement-treated base (CTB) mix were compared for environmental and economic benefits through cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment. The results indicate that replacing fine DCA optimized setting time and compressive strength based on its chemical composition, aligning with FA and FG in the RSM process. A 25 % cement replacement with fine DCA balanced the mechanical properties of the modified cement, while a 50 % replacement with coarse DCA effectively improved aggregate properties compared to natural crushed rock. Modified DCA enhanced pavement engineering properties, surpassing the strength and resilience benchmarks of CTB mix. Utilizing optimal modified DCA mixes could reduce carbon footprint and costs by approximately 40 % and 44 %, respectively. Hence, the outcomes highlight challenges and opportunities for modifying DCA for resource conservation and low-carbon transportation infrastructure.

A Review of Grease Trap Waste Management in the US and the Upcycle as Feedstocks for Alternative Diesel Fuels

As byproducts generated by commercial and domestic food-related processes, FOGs (fats, oils, and grease) are the leading cause of sewer pipe blockages in the US and around the world. Grease trap waste (GTW) is a subcategory of FOG currently disposed of as waste, resulting in an economic burden for GTW generators and handlers. This presents a global need for both resource conservation and carbon footprint reduction, particularly through increased waste upcycling. Therefore, it is critical to better understand current GTW handling practices in the context of the urban food–energy–water cycle. This can be accomplished with firsthand data collection, such as onsite visits, phone discussions, and targeted questionnaires. GTW disposal methods were found to be regional and correspond to key geographical locations, with landfill operations mostly practiced in the Midwest regions, incineration mainly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, and digestion mainly in the West of the US. Select GTW samples were analyzed to evaluate their potential reuse as low-cost feedstocks for biodiesel or renewable diesel, which are alternatives to petroleum diesel fuels. Various GTW lipid extraction technologies have been reviewed, and more studies were found on converting GTW into biodiesel rather than renewable diesel. The challenges for these two pathways are the high sulfur content in biodiesel and the metal contents in renewable diesel, respectively. GTW lipid extraction technologies should overcome these issues while producing minimum-viable products with higher market values.

Performance of cementitious systems containing calcined clay in a chloride-rich environment: a review by TC-282 CCL

In this review by TC- 282 CCL, a comprehensive examination of various facets of chloride ingress in calcined clay-based concrete in aggressive chloride-rich environments is presented due to its significance in making reinforced concrete structures susceptible to chloride-induced corrosion damages. The review presents a summary of available literature focusing on materials characteristics influencing the chloride resistance of calcined clay-based concrete, such as different clay purity, kaolinite content and other clay minerals, underscoring the significance of pore refinement, pore solution composition, and chloride binding mechanisms. Further, the studies dealing with the performance at the concrete scale, with a particular emphasis on transport properties, curing methods, and mix design, are highlighted. Benchmarking calcined clay mixes with fly ash or slag-based concrete mixes that are widely used in aggressive chloride conditions instead of OPC is recommended. Such comparison could extend the usage of calcined clay as a performance-enhancing mineral admixture in the form of calcined clay or LC2 (limestone-calcined clay). The chloride diffusion coefficient in calcined clay concrete is reported to be significantly lower (about 5–10 times in most literature available so far) compared to OPC, and even lower compared to fly ash and slag-based concrete at early curing ages reported across recent literature made with different types of cements and concrete mixes. Limited studies dealing with reinforcement corrosion point out that calcined clay delays corrosion initiation and reduces corrosion rates despite the reduction in critical chloride threshold. Most of these results on corrosion performance are mainly from laboratory studies and warrant field evaluation in future. Finally, two case studies demonstrating the application of calcined clay-based concrete in real-world marine exposure conditions are discussed to showcase the promising potential of employing low-purity calcined clay-based concrete for reducing carbon footprint and improving durability performance in chloride exposure.

Assessing the Economic Viability of Solar Electrification Against Grid Extension in Rural Ghana

Electricity availability is crucial for socioeconomic development, particularly in developing nations' rural areas. As a result, solar electrification has therefore been recommended as a more sustainable and cost-effective option for rural electrification. The research aim was to compare the economic viability of solar electrification against grid extension in rural Ghana, by examining the cost-benefit of solar electrification and grid extension and identifying the most cost-effective and sustainable approach for providing electricity to rural communities in Ghana. Hundred respondents were selected for this study using a simple random sampling technique. Most respondents believe that solar systems are cheaper to install estimating between GHS 40000 and GHS 50000 compared to grid extensions which averages about GHS 320000, as they can be installed by professionals. Solar electricity offers a good return on investment and doesn't require monthly bills, making it economically sound. Maintenance is easy and cost- efficient compared to grid extensions. Solar electrification doesn't emit carbon emissions of greenhouse gases, and it improves grid security. Most respondents agree that solar electrification generates employment opportunities and is cost-competitive with conventional electricity. They also believe solar energy ensures clean energy for sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Solar electrification is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to grid extension, reducing carbon footprint and providing reliable power. Its initial capital investment is crucial for its economic viability. The study recommends research on hybrid systems integrating solar electrification with grid extension, exploring new technologies like energy storage and smart grids, and exploring regulatory frameworks and policy incentives to promote private sector investments in solar electrification in rural Ghana.

Advanced Fungal Biotechnologies in Accomplishing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): What Do We Know and What Comes Next?

The present era has witnessed an unprecedented scenario with extreme climate changes, depleting natural resources and rising global food demands and its widespread societal impact. From providing bio-based resources to fulfilling socio-economic necessities, tackling environmental challenges, and ecosystem restoration, microbes exist as integral members of the ecosystem and influence human lives. Microbes demonstrate remarkable potential to adapt and thrive in climatic variations and extreme niches and promote environmental sustainability. It is important to mention that advances in fungal biotechnologies have opened new avenues and significantly contributed to improving human lives through addressing socio-economic challenges. Microbe-based sustainable innovations would likely contribute to the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) by providing affordable energy (use of agro-industrial waste by microbial conversions), reducing economic burdens/affordable living conditions (new opportunities by the creation of bio-based industries for a sustainable living), tackling climatic changes (use of sustainable alternative fuels for reducing carbon footprints), conserving marine life (production of microbe-based bioplastics for safer marine life) and poverty reduction (microbial products), among other microbe-mediated approaches. The article highlights the emerging trends and future directions into how fungal biotechnologies can provide feasible and sustainable solutions to achieve SDGs and address global issues.

Synergizing metakaolin and waste-glass for sustainable and functional UHPCC– a central composite design and ecological footprint assessment

Optimizing ultra-high-performance cementitious composites (UHPCC) with sustainable materials often compromises certain properties due to the chemical nature of alternative binders used to replace standard UHPCC components like Portland cement (OPC) and microsilica (MS). In the context of Waste-Glass-UHPCC, the reduction in early strength, attributed to the varied pozzolanic reactivity of MS and recycled glass powder as cementitious materials, may reduce its application that requires high early strength. This study addresses the early strength deficiency of Waste-Glass-UHPCC by incorporating metakaolin (MK) and also aims to assess the impact of MK on 28-day compressive strength, durability, and carbon footprint. Research investigating the effects of MK on UHPCC with reduced OPC and MS content is currently limited. Specifically, this investigation explores the influence of MK on UHPCC characterized by a cement content of 620 kg/m3. By utilizing advanced statistical methods [i.e., the Central Composite Design (CCD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM)], this study investigates the substitution of MK for OPC in formulations of Waste-Glass-UHPCC. The experimental design comprises 18 encoded mixtures, allowing for the development of second-order regression models for critical responses [slump flow and compressive strength at different ages]. Besides, visualization through RSM-3D graphs facilitates a comprehensive examination of the effects of various factors. For a deeper analysis, two of the CCD's points, i.e., SP-12 (Waste-Glass-UHPCC without metakaolin), and SP-10 (Waste-Glass-UHPCC with 65.77 kg of metakaolin per cubic meter) were further investigated along with a control dosage that represents a typical UHPCC formulation. The responses studied encompassed 1, 7, and 28 d compressive strength, chloride ion penetration, and carbon footprint measured by a systematic life cycle analysis (following ISO 15804), assessing the environmental impact of the UHPCC's making materials from raw extraction to disposal. Despite encountering challenges in meeting self-compacting concrete criteria due to MK's tendency to accelerate hydration, the enhanced early strength properties (61 % higher than those of the Waste-Glass-UHPCC) make the MK-based mixture appropriate for various applications such as bridge engineering or pavement rehabilitation. Additionally, the addition of MK in UHPCC formulation demonstrated superior resistance to chloride ion permeability even compared to the control mixture, attributed to MK's ability to enhance the concrete's microstructure and capture chloride ions, attributed to Friedel's salt formation. Noteworthy findings include a significant (27 %) reduction in carbon footprint with the incorporation of MK in Waste-Glass-UHPCC compared to the control counterparts. The current study highlights the durability and environmental advantages of MK-based UHPCC blends while emphasizing the critical requirements of workability and strength development of sustainable UHPCC.

Evaluating hybrid nuclear-thermal power systems for reduced carbon footprint: A comparative analysis

The article provides an estimated substantiation of the concept of expanding the fuel and energy base and reducing the volume of greenhouse gas emissions with the joint use of organic and nuclear fuel in the structure of hybrid nuclear-thermal power plants. It is shown that the technological scheme (the production of saturated steam in a nuclear steam-producing plant - NPPU, and then overheating to the maximum achieved parameters in the thermal power industry due to organic fuel) leads to a decrease in the specific consumption of gas fuel for the production of electrical energy by 25–30 %, emissions of combustion products by 2.5 times (compared to thermal power plants), consumption of industrial water (compared to nuclear power plants) - by 1.5 times. It is indicated that it is possible to expand the fuel base of modern nuclear energy with thermal neutron reactors through the use of technologies mastered (breeder reactors) and promising (hybrid thermonuclear reactors). The fundamental advantage of the considered complex - JPPP-TPP - its feasibility in a short period of time with a significant reduction in the carbon footprint per unit of energy produced, which is an important condition for the sustainable growth of energy production while maintaining the ecological balance in the geosphere.

Development and experimental assessment of a multi-annual energy monitoring tool to support energy intelligence and management in telecommunication industry

Carbon-footprint reduction of key industrial buildings is addressed, by proposing methodologies for continuously monitoring telecommunication (TLC) central offices (COs). Main aim is classifying sites according to their efficiency and reliability, via the diagnosis of anomalous electricity consumptions. Such a goal is achieved through the definition of new key performance indicators (KPIs) based on TLC and cooling energy demand, improving the outcomes of pre-existing methods. While the reliability index and index of cluster reliability are specifically proposed to evaluate and physically assess the impact of climate control (CLC, i.e., the parasitic quota) electricity consumption with respect to the TLC one, the here introduced coefficient of variation of telecommunication energy allows for a more solid evaluation of energy measurements reliability. Another target of this study is to extend the afore-mentioned KPIs-based analysis to multi-annual periods of monitoring, thus allowing successfully meeting the currently in-force ISO 50001 standard. Specific central offices were then selected and analyzed to verify the results physical meaning. The method was proven effective in classifying central offices belonging to climate-homogenous fleets, according to the reliability level estimated over a triannual timeframe. Positive impacts in terms of attainable energy saving through improved thermal management, as well as methodology extendibility to other industrial sectors are finally presented and discussed.

The Procedure of Extracting Natural Gas liquids in Cryosift Method

The extraction of Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) plays a pivotal role in the modern energy landscape, serving as both a significant economic driver and a critical component of energy supply chains. This project investigates the comprehensive processes involved in NGL extraction, which includes the separation of ethane, propane, butanes, and natural gasoline from natural gas and crude oil. Key techniques such as cryogenic distillation, absorption, and fractionation are explored in depth, highlighting their operational principles, efficiency, and technological advancements. In addition to the technical aspects, this project examines the environmental impacts of NGL extraction and the strategies employed to mitigate these effects. Innovations in technology and process optimization are discussed, emphasizing their role in reducing carbon footprints and enhancing sustainability. The economic dimension of NGL extraction is also analyzed, with a focus on market trends, supply chain logistics, and the factors influencing global demand and pricing. Case studies from leading NGL extraction facilities are used to illustrate best practices, challenges, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies. Through a multi-faceted approach, this project aims to provide a detailed understanding of the NGL extraction industry. It underscores the importance of NGLs in the global energy market, the technological advancements driving the industry forward, and the economic and environmental considerations that shape its future. The findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders, policymakers, and industry professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of NGL extraction and leverage its benefits for sustainable development. Key Words: Cryogenic Distillation, Absorption, Fractionation

Innovative bedding materials for compost bedded pack barns: enhancing dairy cow welfare and sustainable dairy farming

AbstractCompost bedded pack (CBP) barns are an innovative housing system that improves the comfort and welfare of dairy cows, compared to cubicle style housing or free stalls with artificial surfaces, such as rubber or concrete. This type of bedding system also has the potential to improve lameness scores, overall health, welfare, and productivity of dairy cows. In CBP barns, carbon materials or organic materials are composted in the barn while being used as bedding for livestock. The animals pass manure on these surfaces providing the nitrogen, microorganisms, and moisture necessary for the composting process. Historically, dry sawdust originating from mills, furniture and pallets have been used as a substrate for compost. However, due to these materials becoming increasingly expensive and hard to source, other materials have been trailed as potential substitutes. Furthermore, there is an increasing interest in making dairy production more environmentally friendly by reducing carbon footprint. This review summarises and highlights appropriate alternative materials that, subject to their management, can be successfully used in the CBP barn system. This will act as an aid for farmers and decision makers when choosing materials to be incorporated in CBP barns. Using alternative materials to sawdust, wood chips and wood shavings, which are the current industry standard, will contribute to a more circular economy and sustainable dairy production, while simultaneously contributing to sustainable development goals, and improved animal health and welfare.

INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN THE ERA OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Raya Karlibaeva E-mail: r.karlibaeva@tsue.uz Associate Professor,Tashkent State University of Economics Tashkent, Uzbekistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8492-9807 Rustam Yakhshiboyev E-mail: r.yaxshiboyev@tsue.uz Senior lecturer, Tashkent State University of Economics Tashkent, Uzbekistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2733-9085 Abstract: This article examines the process of digital transformation in business, highlighting key aspects such as strategy development, adoption of innovative solutions, and sustainable development. Success factors include adapting to rapid technological changes, investing in IT infrastructure, and developing employees' digital skills. Innovation is crucial for competitive advantage, enabling the creation of new products, improved processes, and enhanced efficiency through technologies like AI, big data, and IoT. Sustainable development, an integral part of digital transformation, involves economic efficiency, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. This includes using eco-friendly technologies, reducing carbon footprints, and managing resources responsibly. The analysis emphasizes that successful digital transformation requires a comprehensive approach, including technological adaptation, robust IT infrastructure, employee skill development, and a culture of innovation. Sustainable practices also play a pivotal role, ensuring long-term success and contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive digital economy. Keywords: digital transformation, business strategies, innovation, sustainable development, technological changes, IT infrastructure, competitive advantages, digital skills. JEL classification: O3

Digital finance reduces urban carbon footprint pressure in 277 Chinese cities

As global warming's impact on humanity surpasses initial predictions, numerous countries confront heightened risks associated with escalating urban carbon footprints. Concurrently, digital finance has flourished, propelled by advancements in digital technology. This convergence underscores the urgency of exploring digital finance's role in mitigating urban carbon footprint pressures. This study analyzes data spanning 277 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2020, yielding several key findings: Firstly, we developed a dataset detailing the carbon footprint pressures in these cities, revealing that variations in these pressures predominantly correlate with economic growth. Secondly, our analysis indicates that digital finance has a significant impact on reducing urban carbon footprint pressures, through mechanisms such as reducing the number of physical bank branches and enhancing residents' environmental awareness. Thirdly, the study identifies that the efficacy of digital finance in reducing carbon footprint pressures varies according to factors like sunshine duration and geographic location. The insights from this research aim to contribute substantively to strategies for sustainable urban development.

A retrospective audit with subsequent cost and environmental analysis of a denosumab self-injection program.

The Metabolic Bone Health Department, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, serves a local population of approximately 445 000 people. A retrospective audit of attendance data regarding the denosumab treatment clinic (the traditional treatment pathway) and the denosumab Self-Injection Program (SIP) was conducted to determine whether the SIP is both cost-effective and environmentally beneficial, compared to the traditional treatment pathway. Cost analysis was then conducted by the Finance Department. The audit was conducted over 3years following the implementation of the service development; 233 patients had enrolled in the program at the time of the audit and 69 had completed 3years of self-injected treatment. A control group of 497 patients were identified by the service. This group remained on the historical pathway and had consistent attendance activity over the 3-yr period from 2017 to 2019. Pre- and post-period activity of all patients on the program was compared, together with the activity for the independent control group. The SIP resulted in a reduction in clinical contacts, with financial analysis showing a total opportunity cost saving per patient of £420 per annum. There were obvious benefits to the patient of a reduced number of visits to a clinical site, which also resulted in an estimated carbon footprint reduction of 59 kg CO2 per patient per annum. The cost analysis is based on our organization's 2022 charges. The SIP demonstrates that by focusing on care "closer to home", it is possible to maximize resources, improve the patient experience through reduced travel, and reduce the environmental impact of healthcare.

Unveiling the Carbon Footprint Reduction Potential of Cementitious Composites: CO2 Sequestration in a Lime-Clay Binder Incorporating Medium-Grade Clay

Unveiling the Carbon Footprint Reduction Potential of Cementitious Composites: CO₂ Sequestration in a Lime-Clay Binder Incorporating Medium-Grade Clay

From countercultural ecovillages to mainstream green neighbourhoods—a view on current trends in Denmark

This paper describes how the ecovillage model for sustainability is currently spreading in Denmark through two different avenues. The first avenue is the creation of new eco-communities inspired by the ecovillage movement but created through top-down municipal support or from the side by the involvement of professional community builders. The second avenue is the spread of some aspects of the ecovillage model to mainstream housing neighbourhoods through the green neighbourhood movement, when neighbours meet, discuss what kind of sustainable interests they share, and act together to live more sustainably. Although eco-communities and green neighbourhoods will probably achieve less impressive carbon footprint reductions than ecovillages, they are exploring interesting avenues through which the spread of the ecovillage model, which is slow, costly, and exclusive, can be speed up and can trigger a mass movement that has the potential of bringing widespread changes.

Big Data Technology Usage in Electric Transportation Industry

In the context of critical challenges related to global warming and the necessity of reducing carbon footprint, the electric car sector is experiencing significant growth. This progress inevitably leads to the need for expansion and modernization of the charging station infrastructure. This article conducts a detailed analysis of how big data processing technologies can contribute to the optimization of this infrastructure’s use, the efficiency of charging stations, and the development of personalized services for electric vehicle users. Strategies for solving current problems, particularly in the areas of data security and standardization, are discussed, along with the impact of big data on the formation of new commercial models in the electric transport sector. Special attention is given to the analysis of existing scientific works and publications, which reveal a noticeable deficit of research focused on adapting big data technologies to specific regional conditions and analyzing the behavioral models of electric vehicle consumers. The article identifies key directions for future research aimed at exploring the potential of big data for the intelligent optimization of electric vehicle transport, particularly in areas such as demand forecasting, effective management of charging stations, development of new user services, and integration with broader urban transport management systems. Additionally, the article highlights challenges related to ensuring the confidentiality and security of collected data, the need to integrate diverse data and systems, and the current demand for qualified professionals in the field of big data analysis. The final section of the article focuses on the prospects of using big data in electric transport, their potential contribution to the development of smart city concepts, infrastructure improvement, and enhancing the quality of services for end consumers. Recommendations are provided for key stakeholders in the industry, with the aim of facilitating the adoption of strategic decisions that would take into account future opportunities and challenges. An analytical review of current literature sources and online publications is included, emphasizing the innovative nature of the research conducted.

Optimizing Concrete Strength and Sustainability by Using Blast Furnace Slag and Waste Glass Powder as Additives

ABSTRACTConstruction industry intends to promote effective utilization of waste materials obtained from various sources to develop an eco‐friendly building material for high performance, life cycle sustainability, and reduction of carbon footprints globally. The current study focusses to produce concrete mix by using industrial wastes such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (BOF) and glass powder (GP). Samples are prepared by utilizing industrial wastes partially for M35 grade concrete. The ground granulated BOF and GP are used with 10%–40% and 0.1%–0.4%, respectively, as the partial replacement of cement. Under different curing periods, the specimens were characterized for their physical and mechanical properties. Test results were analyzed to check the workability, compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption of the sample mixes prepared. The highest compressive and flexural strength of the samples are found to be 46.23 MPa and 5.13 MPa, at the optimal replacement of BOF and GP in the proportion of 30% and 0.2%, respectively.

Utilization of industrial waste sodium sulfate for calcined clay-based sustainable binder

This study explored the utilization of industrial waste Na2SO4 to develop a calcined clay-based sustainable cementitious composite inspired by ancient Roman concrete. Na2SO4 with or without the addition of NaCl was utilized, keeping the total Na2O quantity constant, and their performances at the macro and micro scale were compared. A separate set of samples was prepared using seawater. A medium-grade calcined clay, along with lime, was utilized as the binder. The salts were first dissolved in water and then used as the mixing water for sample preparation. A diverse array of characterization methods was utilized, encompassing thermogravimetric analysis, chemical extraction, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Backscattered Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was observed that the salt-containing batches achieved compressive strength faster than the seawater samples. However, the strength remained in a comparable range (∼30 MPa) for all the samples after 28 days of curing. The initial strength of salt-containing samples was attributed to the formation of gypsum, ettringite, and hydrocalumite. Additionally, the geopolymer gel and calcium aluminum silicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) gel phases were present in all samples. Finally, this study also showed that lime-clay mortars can achieve a reduction in carbon footprint of up to 50 % compared to ordinary portland cement (OPC) mortars.

Mechanized wet direct seeding for increased rice production efficiency and reduced carbon footprint

Crop establishment is one of the major rice production operations that strongly affects rice production, productivity, and environmental impacts. This research introduced a new technology and provided scientific evidence for the benefits of mechanized wet direct seeding (mDSR) of rice as compared with the other crop establishment practices commonly applied by farmers for wet direct seeded rice in Mekong River Delta in Vietnam, such as seeding in line using drum-seeder (dDSR) and broadcast seeding (bDSR). The experiment was implemented across two consecutive rice cropping seasons that are Winter-Spring season and Summer-Autumn season in 2020–2021. Treatments included (1–3) mDSR with seeding rates of 30, 50, and 70 kg ha− 1, (4) dDSR with 80 kg ha− 1 seed rate, and (5) bDSR as current farmer practice with seeding rate of 180 kg ha− 1. The fertilizer application was adjusted as per seeding rate with 80:40:30 kg ha− 1 N: P2O5: K2O with lower seed rate 30 and 50 kg ha− 1 in mDSR; 90:40:30 kg ha− 1 N: P2O5: K2O with medium seed rate of 70 to 80 kg ha− 1; and 115:55:40 kg ha− 1 N: P2O5: K2O with high seed rate of 180 kg ha− 1 in bDSR. Mechanized wet direct seeding rice with a lower seed rate of 30 to 70 kg ha− 1 and fertilizer rate by 22–30% reduced variation in seedling density by 40–80% and in yield by 0.1 to 0.3 t ha− 1 and had similar yield to bDSR. In consequence, N productivity was 27 and 32% higher in mDSR as compared to bDSR during the Winter-Spring season and Summer-Autumn seasons, respectively. The use of lower seed rate and fertilizer in mDSR also led to higher income and lower carbon footprint (GHGe per kg of paddy grains) of rice production than the currently used practices of bDSR. Net income of mDSR was comparable to that of dDSR and higher by 145–220 and 171–248 $US than that of bDSR in Winter-Spring season and Summer-Autumn, respectively. The carbon footprint of mDSR rice production compared to bDSR was lower by 22–25% and 12–20% during the Winter-Spring and Summer-Autumn seasons, respectively. Given the above benefits of farming efficiency, higher income, and low emission, mDSR would be a technology package that strongly supports sustainable rice cultivation transformation for the Mekong River Delta of Vietnam.