The headquarters are based in city's Cidade Nova neighbourhood, one of the major business districts in Rio, while the emergency drill was part of the building's integrated security plan that adopts all the security protocols of the sports and non-sports venues that will be used during the Games.

The objective of the exercise was to test the emergency and evacuation plan's efficiency together with the public safety, civil defence and urban development agencies.

"Safety is one of our top priorities and this concern begins with our headquarters," said Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman.

"This drill is the first in a series of safety tests that we will conduct regularly from now until Games time in order to ensure the safety of all venues."

The new headquarters is housing the Organising Committee as well as the Municipal Olympic Company through to Rio 2016 while it has been designed in a sustainable way so that it can be dismantled and reused after the Games if required.

As part of sustainability measures put in place in the construction, the building has rainwater harvesting and energy saving systems as well as furniture made of certified wood.

The air conditioning system is equipped with electromagnetic components for the reduction of energy costs and temperature control by zone.

There is a LED-equipped lighting system, with low energy use, besides reflective glass permitting a better natural light use.

Solar energy capturing panels and a thermo acoustic cover are also being used as part of the project.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories:
March 2013: Nawal El Moutawakel visits new Rio 2016 headquarters