Daiana Maricela Bercuciu, Geanina Mihai, Mădălina Stănescu, Constantin Buta, Nicolae Costin Mociu
Doi: 10.2478/ouacsce-2025-0019
Pages: 175-186
Abstract: The construction sector is among the most resource-intensive human activities, generating significant pressure on natural systems. This paper presents an integrated environmental impact assessment for the construction of a small-scale Multifunctional Medical Center (P+1, 616.35 m² built area) in the rural commune of Nicorești, Galați County, Romania. A simplified Leopold matrix was applied to quantify impacts during execution and operation phases across eight environmental and social factors. The execution phase yielded a total impact score of 54/120, classified as moderate and reversible, with noise (12) and air quality (9) as dominant stressors. The operation phase generated predominantly positive effects, with social accessibility scoring 15/15. Sustainable design choices, including mineral-wool insulation, FPO/TPO membranes, triple-glazed PVC joinery, LED lighting and BMS controls, are estimated to reduce operational consumption by up to 40%. Selective waste sorting achieved over 60% recovery on site. The study confirms that rigorous EIA application from the design stage, combined with sustainable materials and post-construction monitoring, can keep environmental impacts within legal limits while delivering substantial social benefits in underserved rural areas.
Keywords: environmental impact assessment, Leopold matrix, rural healthcare infrastructure, sustainable construction, waste management
