To achieve a wider viewers, corporations have to keep away from jargon-heavy water stewardship phrases.
Credible descriptions for water stewardship targets succeed when water is linked to local weather, nature and folks.
Compelling tales may also help stakeholders perceive why water points and applications matter to them.
If the phrases “water optimistic” and “nature optimistic” depart you confused, you’re not alone. To enhance water stewardship and communications across the subject, corporations have to keep away from technical or jargon-heavy phrases that aren’t partaking for many audiences.
In a latest survey of greater than 350 water and sustainability specialists, Trellis information accomplice GlobeScan, at the side of the World Wildlife Basis, discovered essentially the most significant and credible descriptions for water stewardship targets are:
“restoration of nature and ecosystems” (49%)
“science-based” (42%)
“safety of rivers, lakes, and wetlands” (40%)
In distinction, specialists take into account “water optimistic,” “nature optimistic,” and “replenish” to be the least significant and credible of the choices introduced. Equally, GlobeScan’s public opinion analysis exhibits individuals rank “defend rivers, lakes, and different water-based habitat/nature” a lot larger than “use much less water in operations and provide chains” when it comes to a very powerful water-related objectives for an environmentally-responsible firm.
The analysis factors to 3 causes for low ranges of consciousness and engagement associated to corporations’ water stewardship actions:
Most corporations don’t speak about water fairly often or by way of channels that attain many stakeholders
Water-related communications normally put a heavy emphasis on information and methodologies like “water optimistic” and “replenish” that aren’t very relatable or compelling for many stakeholders
Company communications on water focus an excessive amount of on the amount/effectivity of water whereas air pollution or ecosystem restoration is extra more likely to achieve traction with the general public
What this implies
Going ahead, corporations can enhance transparency and disclosure by speaking in methods which can be extra related, tangible and interesting by linking water to local weather, nature and folks. Organizations can spotlight the vital ways in which water hyperlinks, shapes and contributes to highly effective, nature-based options for local weather resilience, adaptation and mitigation. The general public strongly associates water with nature and conservation, and linking it to nature affords alternatives for restoration, progress and optimistic tales. Extra compelling company communications on water stewardship may also help stakeholders perceive why points and applications matter to them and the way each the corporate and shoppers stand to profit from company actions and investments.
Primarily based on a survey of 352 water and sustainability specialists throughout 63 nations and territories carried out in Nov.-Dec. 2024.
My root view controller will get its view from a Xib file. On this Xib file I’ve outlined not solely it is view but additionally a navigation bar with a custom-made navigation merchandise. I created an interface builder outlet with this custom-made navigation merchandise and return it if the system asks for it. The setup seems to be like this:
Ranging from iOS 18 this method appears to fail. First, the navigation merchandise is nil if the system asks for it for the primary few occasions and solely after a sure time the reference from the interface builder outlet is non nil which finally returns my custom-made navigation merchandise as I anticipated.
Doing so leaves the navigation bar in pure white and it appears my navigation merchandise is just not taken under consideration. Provided that I disguise and present the navigation bar it appears to set off the system to really choose up the custom-made navigation merchandise. The modified code seems to be like this:
Throughout my analysis I have never discovered any trace, that my method can be invalid or something associated that on iOS 18 this could give points. Ultimately my purpose is to have UI associated stuff for one view controller in the identical xib file, that’s the reason I positioned the navigation bar with the custom-made navigation merchandise within the view controllers xib file within the first place.
What do I miss that my custom-made navigation merchandise seems pure white if I do not set off a disguise/present of the navigation bar?
It’s good to take a look round typically and see what is occurring in different international locations. After reviewing the gross sales statistics supplied by James at EVDB, I believed to achieve out to New Zealand EV drivers and get their ideas on driving within the land of the lengthy white cloud. After a bit hesitation, they graciously shared their tales with me.
One reader was a bit cautious — some Fb teams have been infiltrated by journalists searching for unfavorable tales to bash EVs. He requested if I owned an EV and was reassured by the group that I did and if I had a bias, it was positively professional EV. He was then completely happy to assist, informing me that he has a 2017 Nissan Leaf. It pays to watch out on social media. One other was happy that I used to be reporting on developments in Australia and New Zealand. “Hey David, simply wished to say I get pleasure from your articles on Cleantechnica. Good to have a down below perspective.”
New Zealand imports plenty of used Nissan Leafs, consequently plenty of the feedback have been about these.
“Nissan Leafs have been a path blazer for certain. We’ve had ours for over 5 years now, nonetheless love driving it. They usually’re nonetheless standard as a buying cart for a lot of. The EV market wouldn’t be the place it’s with out them, IMHO. There nonetheless may very well be a marketplace for low-cost battery pack replacements I reckon. Even when it’s a 24kWh pack that provides again the unique, new vary.”
“We imported a 24kw Nissan Leaf in 2012 with the assistance of a good friend, earlier than you may purchase them right here, & earlier than there was any charging infrastructure – & drove it (sluggish charging) across the nation.”
Nissan Leaf in New Zealnd. Photograph courtesy Het Conroy.
“We had a leaf for six years however wanted to maintain an ICE automobile for towing our caravan. Final month we lastly changed the ICE with a used Polestar 2 – lengthy vary RWD. Yay! We will certainly recover from Lewis Go with the caravan no drawback, assuming 1/2 vary when towing (Lewis move is one in all NZ’s routes with restricted cost choices). Lately drove from Picton to Moeraki in a day with out caravan (620km). Went like a dream. Solely wanted to cost as soon as however did a few high ups as a result of we have been stopping for refreshments/swapping drivers each two hours anyway. There was completely no drawback discovering fees (however was not a vacation time or weekend). I’m  wanting ahead to hitching up the caravan quickly.
“And a historic perspective: A couple of years in the past, driving round New Zealand required detailed planning, heavy use of ABRP (A Higher Route Planner), and a superb likelihood the charger was obtainable once you wished it. There have been heady tales of EV’s milking the vary to its absolute max, and getting the turtle acquired a nod from fellow drivers. Quick ahead to now, it’s simply leap in and drive. The automobile goes additional than I bodily can drive whereas varied companies are dumping good quantities of cash organising chargers.
“Is it excellent? No. But it surely’s not shit by any stretch of the creativeness.”
“We toured the South Island from Auckland over the summer time holidays in our Mannequin Y. Three adults plus baggage. We coated over 4,000 kms together with lengthy drives equivalent to Nelson to Hokitika, Franz Josef to Wanaka, Queenstown to Lake Tekapo, Christchurch to Blenheim. Charging was a breeze utilizing Tesla, ChargeNet, Z and BP. Additionally charged at Airbnb and motels with prior approval. It was an exquisite journey. Spent $248 in charging. My son did the same on the similar time and spent over $1000 on diesel.”
Ford Mustang Mach-E in New Zealand. Photograph courtesy Sue Hingston.
“Round 10 years in the past I used to be indignant that my Kiwisaver fund was being traded as a commodity and was ‘owned’ by one financial institution or insurance coverage firm after one other and my annual curiosity return was ****% so… I cashed in and put 8 photo voltaic panels on the roof. Then I had to purchase a battery storage as an excessive amount of energy was being wasted. Then I had to purchase 12 extra panels to fill the battery. Then I had to determine the best way to use extra energy…..EV time!
“In Feb 2020 my husband and I purchased our 2018 Hyundai Ioniq. A tremendous automobile! I nonetheless assume they’re nice worth and economical. We wanted to vary because it was too small and low to accommodate mobility challenges so needed to improve. Final yr we purchased a 2023 Mustang Mach E and like it. Individuals cease and stare as we cruise previous and I can’t resist doing a watch catching take off on the lights if I get an opportunity.
“The frunk/froot is my house. My husband can put his instruments and toys within the rear one.”
Getting ready for an extended journey, frunk is my house. Photograph courtesy Sue Hingston.
“First a part of our journey was to put in of 5 kw photo voltaic system 3 years in the past. We determined to not purchase a battery as we deliberate to purchase one with wheels and use the surplus photo voltaic to cost the eventual automobile. We splashed the money a yr later and acquired a Tesla Mannequin Y efficiency. We had a New Zealand made EVnex charger put in within the dwelling on the similar time.
“The Tesla has been a revelation. It effortlessly tows our 6 meter boat, completes all household duties effectively and goes just like the clappers on the odd hoon across the backroads.
“Utilizing extra photo voltaic for 75% of its charging wants it prices below $180 a yr to gas. On a street journey we discover the supply of superchargers higher than we initially anticipated. The automobile has been completely dependable within the 2 years of possession. My solely criticism can be extreme cabin noise.
“Proudly owning an EV is a studying expertise. It takes time to get previous all of the unfavorable BS that does the rounds. The most important concern is getting your head round day by day vary, as an alternative of the fill her up and drain to empty as per ICE vehicles. We sometimes cost our automobile to 60% every single day for native journeys. We wind this as much as 70% for a 200km day. We strive hold the battery in the course of its percentages to lengthen its life – NMC chemistry.
“I can’t see a cause to think about an ICE automobile sooner or later as a day by day driver except it competes with the EV. The ICE automobile must be…tailpipe emissions free, round 500 bhp; have the additional performance and storage of an EV; absolutely gas in a single day for below $200 every year; with a 8 yr drive practice guarantee; and no scheduled service necessities.
“Simply not seeing that as a chance.”
“We’ve had just a few Hybrid vehicles through the years. First Prius I purchased was in 2013. It was an excellent automobile, nice gas financial system and returned about 20km/l continuously. Then I purchased one other in 2019. Similar factor. Actually economical and was so pleased with the reliability & gas financial system.
“My accomplice and I purchased a home in 2023 and that’s the place the penny actually dropped. We have been on a mission to cut back prices and set ourselves up for future good points. We purchased a 2018 Hyundai Ioniq with nearly nothing on the odometer. I’ve been a ‘greenie’ nearly all my life. I grew up in South Africa the place my grandparents had photo voltaic again within the 80’s already. I’ve all the time been fascinated by photo voltaic panels, batteries, inverters – Know-how basically. South Africa’s energy points have compelled lots of people to put in photo voltaic at dwelling and at companies out of necessity.
Hyundai Ioniq in New Zealand. Photograph courtesy Nic and Kerry van der Ballot.
“After we crunched the numbers on proudly owning and working an EV, we have been each a bit shocked. Not solely would we save on the ‘gas’ powering the automobile, we might additionally be capable to leap onto an influence plan that would scale back our evening time tariff – saving us a whole bunch of {Dollars} a yr. It ended up being so shut to interrupt even (the price of the mortgage vs. financial savings in gas and total energy invoice) that we determined to leap and purchase an EV. I’ve been following Youtubers like Robert Llewellyn from Absolutely Charged since I used to be a youngster. I’ve been following EVs since Tesla began out in 2005/2006 with their Roadster. I take a look at drove the primary Leaf the second I had a possibility in 2012 on the Johannesburg Worldwide Motor Present. I’ve spent hours wanting into battery chemistries, SoH over time and many others. and many others. By the point we have been capable of purchase an EV, I had a lot accrued information that it was really easy determining what to go for and what to search for.
“The rationale for purchasing the Ioniq was the truth that they are typically dependable and hold their batteries very wholesome for very lengthy. The $23,000 price ticket additionally helped, let’s be trustworthy. Right here we may have a automobile that price much less to purchase than a Leaf, with a battery that was nonetheless at 100% SoH. Comparable Leafs (KM travelled and age) price one other $2-3k extra and the batteries have been already displaying degradation with complete SoH remaining between 80% – 88%. An actual no-brainer.
“After we purchased the Ioniq in July of 2023 and needed to drive as much as Auckland from Wellington to select it up (I say ‘had’, we may have loaded it onto a truck, however who doesn’t need to drive a brand new automobile again dwelling??). I had no vary anxiousness for many of the journey. The 200-ish-kilometers it might do on a cost didn’t part me. I knew from wanting on the ARBP (A Higher Route Planner) App that we might simply get to a charger if wanted. The one stretch of street that actually made me panic was the Desert Street on the way in which again down. We charged as much as 90% at Turangi and headed off. The steep inclines, the chilly (I believe it went right down to minus 2 levels at one stage) and the usage of the heater, DRAINED that battery so shortly. The guess-o-meter was displaying 170-ish-kilometers of vary after charging at Turangi, the GPS was saying the following charger was solely 65 km away.”
Driving the Ioniq dwelling. Photograph courtesy Nic and Kerry van der Ballot.
“‘That ought to depart us with loads to spare’ – I believed….
“By the point we acquired to Waiouru there was solely 40 km to left – yikes. The vary dropped fairly shortly. However all was good. We didn’t get stranded. Had a fast top-up in Waiouru and off we went once more.
Charging the Ioniq. Photograph courtesy Nic and Kerry van der Ballot.
“In January of this yr, we had a 5 kW photo voltaic system put in. 6.6 kW of Photo voltaic Panels, 5 kW Inverter and 6.4 kWh of battery storage. Now most of our charging is completed through the day as we don’t sometimes want to make use of the automobile to commute to work and again. We’ve seen a large drop in month-to-month energy payments. It’s been the perfect funding to date. Our invoice in summer time went from roughly $200 a month to our energy firm owing us about $40.
Driving an Ioniq in New Zealand. Photograph courtesy Nic and Kerry van der Ballot.
“Total our expertise has been nice. We love proudly owning an EV. We love with the ability to cost it off the solar (principally). It’s a nice automobile to drive, plenty of grunt. Actually dependable too. Guess-o-meter is fairly correct and typically you get extra out than what it estimates.
“New Zealand’s public charging infrastructure is nice, all issues thought of. Sure, we want extra chargers, sure they might price much less, however you CAN do an extended street journey – even with a smaller battery and restricted vary.”
Charging. Screenshot courtesy Nic and Kerry van der Ballot.
Synthetic intelligence is disrupting each sector and cybersecurity isn’t any exception. Whereas it allows automation of menace detection and real-time evaluation of huge information volumes, AI has additionally turn out to be a strong instrument for cybercriminals. More and more, they’re leveraging it to refine their strategies, bypass defenses, and scale their operations.
Worker burnout in retail contact facilities is not only a personnel subject—it is a notable enterprise problem threatening to eat away at productiveness, morale, and income. Retailers are more and more turning to AI, particularly conversational AI, to assist reverse this damaging development. Organizations implementing AI signifies a profound shift in how retailers can domesticate sustainable, empowered workforces able to assembly ever-increasing buyer calls for. Clever digital brokers (IVAs) are one AI software providing a lifeline by automating routine interactions, lowering cognitive overload, and enabling human brokers to deal with high-value strategic initiatives.
The Hidden Prices of Retail Burnout
Burnout in retail contact facilities stems primarily from repetition, understaffing, escalating buyer calls for, and intense stress to ship distinctive service shortly and constantly. Latest research point out that roughly 55% of contact middle workers recurrently expertise burnout.
Employees in these facilities frequently deal with excessive volumes of repetitive duties, resembling monitoring orders, processing returns and resolving advanced fee disputes. These typically monotonous duties steadily erode worker satisfaction, fueling stress and main on to turnover. Excessive attrition charges create extra challenges as retail leaders frequently make investments substantial assets into recruitment (which usually prices $1,000-$4,000 per agent), coaching ($4,000–$7,000) and productiveness loss throughout ramp-up ($5,000–$10,000). Changing a single contact middle agent prices common between $10,000 and $21,000. The cumulative affect is operational inefficiency, diminished worker morale, and compromised buyer experiences.
5 Methods IVAs Assist Retail Contact Facilities Deal with Burnout
Conversational AI, particularly IVAs, represents a sensible, forward-thinking technique to deal with burnout. These AI-driven options can effectively automate repetitive buyer interactions, dramatically lowering worker workload and stress.
Automated dealing with of routine inquiries frees brokers from the psychological drain of repetitive duties. Contact middle workers report considerably much less cognitive fatigue when AI techniques handle fundamental questions like “The place’s my order?” Not solely that, IVAs deal with 80% of routine inquiries with out escalation.
Name quantity administration prevents agent overwhelm and stress. Retail contact facilities utilizing IVAs see common maintain instances decline from 10 minutes to underneath 2 minutes.
Workload redistribution and prioritization guarantee brokers can deal with one advanced case at a time. This focused strategy prevents psychological exhaustion from continuously switching between a number of fundamental buyer points.
Round the clock customer support protection reduces the necessity for understaffed shifts and time beyond regulation. IVAs assist alleviate the burnout-inducing stress that some brokers expertise throughout peak-hour rushes.
Actual-time assist and steerage assist brokers confidently navigate difficult buyer interactions. IVAs assist brokers resolve points extra effectively and preserve a optimistic buyer expertise by giving clients fast entry to related info and advised responses.
Actual-World Examples Throughout Retail Sectors
Grocery and Grocery store Chains: As an alternative of answering calls about order standing or pickup instances, brokers can deal with problem-solving and escalations. IVAs streamline logistics, stopping bottlenecks and lowering buyer frustration, making contact middle operations extra environment friendly.
Electronics and Client Tech: AI instruments in electronics retail facilitate advanced product inquiries, comparisons, and technical assist questions. IVAs information clients to acceptable product options based mostly on technical specs and particular person wants, enhancing buyer satisfaction via speedy and correct responses.
Vogue and Attire: IVAs assist vogue retailers by dealing with buyer inquiries round sizing, cloth care, returns, and exchanges. AI applied sciences can analyze buyer profiles and advocate clothes based mostly on buy historical past and real-time stock, permitting human workers to supply customized vogue consultations and enhancing general buyer satisfaction.
Residence Enchancment and DIY Retailers: IVAs within the house enchancment sector help clients in finding merchandise, accessing or understanding meeting directions, and resolving different project-based queries. Automating these on a regular basis interactions empowers retailer associates to focus their experience on customized, high-touch consultations, considerably bettering each worker satisfaction and customer support high quality.
Balancing AI and Human Experience
Efficiently integrating AI into retail operations requires a cautious stability between automation and human interplay. Step one is defining clear roles for AI and workers. For instance, AI-driven instruments ought to deal with routine duties like processing returns or answering FAQs, whereas human brokers deal with relationship-building and problem-solving. Efficient communication is essential; leaders should articulate how AI helps, somewhat than replaces, human employees. Transparency round AI’s position in enhancing effectivity and buyer expertise helps ease considerations and fosters buy-in.
Retailers ought to actively contain workers all through the deployment, gathering suggestions and addressing considerations early to make sure a easy transition. By main clear and open discussions about how AI will affect day-to-day operations, management might help their brokers perceive that its position is to streamline repetitive duties, to not exchange human experience. Providing hands-on coaching tailor-made to completely different roles helps workers achieve sensible expertise with IVAs, making them extra snug and assured in leveraging these instruments.
Coaching ought to embody real-world situations the place AI can help—resembling dealing with excessive volumes of buyer inquiries or offering data-driven insights—so workers see firsthand how AI enhances their work somewhat than competes with it. Making a suggestions loop the place workers can share observations, challenges, and solutions fosters a way of possession and encourages steady enchancment. When workers really feel included within the AI adoption course of, they’re extra prone to embrace it as a invaluable asset somewhat than resist it as a disruptive drive.
The AI-Pushed Retail Renaissance
Integrating AI applied sciences represents greater than only a tactical resolution to burnout; it signifies a broader cultural shift towards employee-centric operational excellence. Prioritizing worker well-being via AI-driven automation advantages everybody—workers get pleasure from increased job satisfaction, clients obtain higher service, and companies obtain better operational efficiencies and profitability.
Because the retail business continues to navigate aggressive pressures, adopting clever AI methods turns into more and more central to its success. Leveraging conversational AI and IVAs permits retailers to successfully mitigate burnout, improve worker experiences, and ship constantly excellent customer support.
