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#402 Karl Borree on Making Sports Floors Smarter, Safer, and More Sustainable

Author

Charlie Cichetti
October 16, 2025

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This episode is a must-listen for architects, contractors, and LEED Pros looking to level up athletic spaces. Karl Borree shares how flooring can dramatically impact health, sustainability, and even climate goals — if you design it right.

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🌱BREAKING DOWN TRADITIONAL BUILDING

[Key Insight #1] Flooring Isn’t Just About Bounce — It’s About Emissions, Safety, and Lifecycle

  • What's outdated: Traditional gym floors often use PVC-based pads that off-gas and lose performance over time.

  • The innovation: Action Floors uses natural rubber pads that don’t off-gas, last longer, and offer superior restitution for athletes.

  • Impact: Improved air quality, safer impact absorption, extended lifespan — with verified carbon-negative.

[Key Insight #2] One Size Doesn’t Fit All — Design for the Athlete, Not Just the Space

  • What's outdated: Many school districts default to “standard” flooring systems without considering age, activity, or use-case.

  • The innovation: Action Floors offers 14+ custom subfloor systems tuned to the specific athlete profile — from preschoolers to pros.

  • Impact: Reduced injuries, enhanced performance, and floors that align with building lifecycle and functional demands.

[Key Insight #3] Carbon-Negative Sports Flooring Exists — If You Know Where to Look

  • What's outdated: Most stakeholders assume performance floors are carbon-intensive due to manufacturing and global shipping.

  • The innovation: Action Floors sources maple from the UP of Michigan, leveraging cold climate slow-growth trees, and runs a verified carbon-negative operation.

  • Impact: Global shipments with a smaller footprint than local competitors — backed by SGS-certified EPDs.

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✅ CONNECT AND CONTINUE

🌿 Access full episode resources: Green Building Matters Podcast 

🗒 Read the transcript: here