The "Big Green" mission is to conserve resources; reduce waste and recycle; and continue the commitment by learning about new green-based options applicable to the hotel and acting upon them as soon as possible.

The Holiday Inn Gaithersburg today celebrated the completion of its extensive, environmentally-based renovation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the hotel's new main entrance. In doing so, the hotel became one of the first Holiday Inns in the DC-Metro area to be renovated with an emphasis on environmental sustainability.

Renewable, environmentally responsible and recycled materials were all utilized during the construction; drought-resistant landscaping will be installed in the spring. The featured speaker at the event was Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz. Members of the U.S. Marine Corps also attended the ceremony and received the toys donated by hotel staff and guests to the annual Toys for Tots campaign.

"We conducted this renovation with a clear-cut focus on our very real commitment to protecting the environment for future generations as well as the long-term good of the community," said Melvin Nichols, the hotel's general manager. "The Holiday Inn Gaithersburg is truly a hometown hotel that will continue to host important events for Gaithersburg-area based businesses and residents. We are proud of our "revitalized" hotel and look forward to sharing it with the many guests who rely on our renowned hospitality."

The Holiday Inn Gaithersburg has 300 rooms and has served over 3 million guests to date. A part of a global Holiday Inn campaign to relaunch the brand with a more contemporary image and quality-driven focus, the comprehensive renovation and modernization of the Gaithersburg hotel began in late 2007. This project included a complete upgrade of the exterior and substantial improvements to the interior, all guided by the hotel's "Big Green" mission: conserve resources; reduce waste and recycle; and continue the commitment by learning about new green-based options applicable to the hotel and acting upon them as soon as possible.