Yes, there is strong potential for both replication and upscaling. The PolderRoof system developed by MetroPolder Company and tested at the University of Cagliari is based on modular and adaptable design principles, which allow it to be implemented on a wide range of existing or new buildings.
The technology can be easily replicated at the building scale, as it relies on components that are already widely used in green roof construction, such as vegetated substrate layers and drainage systems, combined with a controllable storage layer. This modular structure makes it feasible to install the system on different roof sizes and building types, particularly in dense urban areas where additional ground-level green infrastructure may be limited.
In addition, the system has significant potential for upscaling at the district or city level. Large-scale adoption across multiple buildings could contribute to urban stormwater management, reducing runoff volumes and peak flows during intense rainfall events. At the same time, widespread implementation could enhance urban climate resilience, biodiversity, and energy performance of buildings.
The prototype installed at the University of Cagliari demonstrates that such systems can be effectively adapted to Mediterranean climatic conditions, suggesting that similar solutions could be replicated in other cities with comparable climates and increasing exposure to extreme rainfall events.
Overall, the combination of modular design, relatively low operational requirements, and multiple environmental benefits makes the PolderRoof a solution with high potential for large-scale replication in urban environments.