In the third issue of volume 2, we are pleased to present a broad range of subject matter that includes two papers that have relevance to the built-environment. Each of these papers considers the extraction of heat from built structures. That by Scholz et al. describes a combination of geothermal (ground source) heat pumps and permeable pavement systems to extract heat whereas that by Mallick et al. addresses the concept of ‘mining’ heat from asphalt road surfaces to simultaneously recover heat and extend the life of the asphalt surfaces. Two further papers consider manufactured products. That by Doi et al. proposes an optimum design method that considers product life cycles and aims to help designers make effective product design decisions. Nikolaidis, on the other hand, considers decision-making for end-of-life products, specifically considering the need for optimal decisions when choosing the quantities of product to be purchased for remanufacture. Of the two remaining papers, that by Banapurmath et al. considers the implications of using Marotti oil, a non-edible vegetable oil, as an alternative to diesel fuel. The final paper, by Tilmatine et al. describes a free-fall, triboelectric separator for the separation of disparate, granular plastic materials.
The editors have maintained their policy of including book reviews in each issue and this policy will continue with a healthy series of books currently in the review process. The editors have been encouraged by the steady rise in the number of submitted papers, but they are keen to broadcast the message to potential authors that good papers are still being actively solicited by the Journal.