“The Earth is our Mother. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons and daughters of the Earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. We did not weave the web of life, we are merely strands in it. Whatever we do to the web we do to ourselves.” Chief Seattle

Bikram Yoga Kitchener-Waterloo (BYKW) is committed to being an exemplar of conscious business practices foremost among which is a commitment to preserving our natural world and creating a toxin-free work and practice environment.

The Environmental Foundations of BYKW

Green Energy: Bullfrog Power
Bikram Yoga KW is powered by green energy provided by Bullfrog Power such as regionally sourced wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogo program—instead of from polluting sources like coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear power. For more info or to sign up your home or business

Pre-Construction: Cutting-Edge Environmental Engineering
The pre-construction phase of BYKW was overseen by James Moore of Lahren James Incorporated. BYKW’s engineering designs were scrutinized by him and his recommendations were implemented in the buildout of the studio. Lahren James had previously consulted for the University of Waterloo. The $1 million dollars worth of energy-saving recommendations he made for UW had a payback time of only 18 months and has thus been saving the University of Waterloo huge amounts of money and reduced its’ environmental footprint accordingly! Read more

Feng Shui Design
Every inch of the studio design was created in consultation with a feng shui consultant who was also an architect. When you enter BYKW you will feel a sense of “flow” and harmony throughout the studio. This is due to the feng-shui design (and because of all the good yoga vibes!). Feng shui is a thousand year old Chinese art which draws upon Taoist principles related to maintining the flow of qi (sometimes written or pronounced “chi”), or “life-energy” within a space or building.

Go Local
Local Architects, Designers, Contractors, Tech and Web support, Bookkeepers and Accountants, employees and wherever possible material suppliers were used to network with and support the local community.

Toxin-Free Environment

Every decision pertaining to the construction and operation of BYKW considered the impact on the environment and focused on creating a toxin-free environment. Here are some of the many examples:

Low-VOC, Anti-Microbial Recycled Vinyl Studio Flooring
Our studio flooring is made with recycled vinyl and is a low-VOC, anti-microbial flooring, which is seamless (unlike bamboo) so any bacteria can be cleaned off the surface by mopping. This $23,000 flooring is “anti-fatigue” containing a supportive cushioning which minimizes impact for people with injuries or joint problems, while giving support for your yoga practice. The Lonseal company, which designed the flooring, also makes floors for old-age homes and hospitals due to its exceptional anti-bacterial qualities. Specially designed for hot yoga applications, it is the “Bentley” of hot yoga floorings.

State-of-the-Art Ventilation System
In the yoga studio, our ventilation system has the capacity to change over the air in the studio every 20 minutes assuring an ongoing supply of fresh oxygen while you practice. The outgoing hot air heats (through an exchanger) the incoming cooler air and thus reduces the energy demands for heating in the studio. This ventilation system is connected with a CO2 sensor which automically switches the ventilation system on to provide fresh oxygen when the CO2 content of the studio air climbs too high.

Low VOC Paints and Glues
All of the paint and flooring glues at BYKW are VOC-free.

Non-toxic Insulation
The ceiling of Bikram Yoga KW’s practice room is insulated with recycled denim insulation. Yes, there are shredded jeans in the ceiling!

Air-Purifying Plants
Air-Purifying Plants were specially chosen for the lobby of BYKW.

Organic Soaps, Detergent and Cleaners
The studio and laundry is cleaned and the washrooms are stocked for public use with organic, natural and toxin-free cleaners, soaps and detergents.

Sensor Lights
When you walk into the change rooms you may wonder where the light switches are and then “poof” the lights come on due to the motion sensors located in the changerooms. Thirty seconds after the last person leaves the lights automatically go out again.

Tankless Water Heaters
The substantial hot water needs of the studio (for all the showers) are met by tankless water heaters which heat up water when the demand is there, but do not have to maintain hot water when none is called for.

Drain Water Heat Recovery
The drain water from the studio passes through a pipe which is encircled by copper piping through which the incoming colder exterior water passes, thus saving energy by pre-heating the water before it arrives to fill the studios water needs.

Recycled Paper, “Kleenex”, Paper Towel and Smoothie Cups
“Green Shift”, an environmental product supply company based out of Toronto, supplies many of our miscellaneous product needs. Our smoothie cups, printer paper, toilet paper, nose tissue, paper towels are all made of recycled materials.

Triple-Paned Argon Gas Filled Studio Windows
The windows in the studio are top-of-the-line triple-paned argon gas filled windows. They simultaneously provide abundant natural light to the practice room and minimize energy loss.

“And look how blithe the throstle sings
He too is no mean preacher
Go forth into the light of things
Let nature be your teacher.”
William Wordsworth