Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center Receives Maryland Green Travel Certification

GAITHERSBURG, MD--(Marketwire - May 25, 2011) - The Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center has just been certified as a Maryland Green Travel Partner. The certification -- which is a partnership between the Maryland Office of Tourism, the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Tourism Council -- is given to hotels in Montgomery County, MD and the rest of the state that meet specific environmental requirements and have made a commitment to maintain and improve their eco-friendly practices.

According to General Manager Michele Pajot, "Our beautiful lake setting reminds us of the need to protect our natural surroundings. Through reduction of consumption, re-using materials and waste, as well as increasing our volume of recycled materials, we are showing our commitment and responsibility to the community as well as the earth."

The Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center has implemented programs and practices to meet the aggressive goals set by Marriott International's environmental team. The Gaithersburg, MD hotel's goals include: reducing energy and water consumption by 25% per available room by 2017; expanding green hotel development ten-fold in five years; greening its multi-billion dollar supply chain; educating and inspiring associates and guests to support the environment; and addressing environmental challenges through innovative conservation initiatives.

The hotel's environmental practices have shown measurable results. Their low-flow water fixtures alone have reduced water consumption by 10%, or more than 1.2 million gallons a year.

The Montgomery County, MD hotel's green initiatives include the following:

Recycling:
Recycled materials include: batteries, fluorescent lamps, packing supplies, cardboard, newspaper, printer and copy machine toner cartridges, office paper, plastic, steel cans, aluminum cans and glass.

Waste Reduction:
The hotel operates with the goal to reduce the overall materials that go to a landfill by using refillable dispensers instead of individual packages; silverware, dishware, and glassware instead of plastic and polystyrene products; electronic correspondence and copies printed 2-sided with vegetable based inks. Food waste at the hotel's Gaithersburg restaurants is minimized and composted. The hotel also purchases from vendors and service providers with a commitment to the environment.

Water Conservation:
Water is metered to detect leaks and monitor usage. Low flow toilets, faucets, showerheads, and high efficiency dishwashers at the Gaithersburg, MD restaurants reduce usage. A landscape management plan utilizes drought tolerant species, metering and rain gauges, and minimizes lawn areas.

Energy Conservation:
Energy audits identify efficiency opportunities and management systems track and meter energy usage. Occupancy sensors automatically turn lights on and off. Spaces are designed to make use of natural lighting whenever possible. Compact fluorescent light bulbs, high efficiency HVAC systems, geothermal heating and cooling methods, along with the use of ceiling fans cut down on energy consumption.

Linen and Laundry Service:
Linens are changed daily only upon request. Laundry detergents are non-phosphate, non-toxic and biodegradable and the use of bleach and chlorinated chemicals are kept to a minimum. The hotel uses service providers that employ 'wet' versus 'dry' cleaning.

Green Conferences and Events:
All Sales, Catering and Banquet Managers are trained and certified for Marriott's Green Meetings. Table linens are not used to cut down on laundry; pitchers of water and glassware are offered instead of bottled water; notepads and pens are from recycled materials. All of the rooms offer natural light to cut down on lighting; the Gaithersburg, MD meeting space features energy-efficient lighting and is climate- and lighting-controlled by computer so as to not waste energy on vacant spaces.

The newly renovated Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center hotel near downtown DC is an ideal gathering place for families and business travelers alike. The hotel is conveniently situated in the suburbs of Washington, DC and near a variety of local companies, including the Department of Energy, Lockheed Martin, NIST and the FDA. Overlooking a picturesque lake, the hotel offers 284 residential-style guest rooms with unique amenities including the Marriott Revive bedding package and the ultra-adaptable Plug-In technology panel. Guests can dine at the hotel's restaurant on the outdoor patio and enjoy shopping and the Rio Entertainment Complex within walking distance. The hotel also features event spaces ideal for meetings and social events. For additional hotel information, call 1-301-590-0044 or click here.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts is Marriott International's original and most widely distributed brand, with 500 hotels and resorts in 60 countries. Marriott continues to inspire a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information visit www.meetthedriven.com, or follow us on Twitter, at www.twitter.com/marriotthotels.

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