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The Retrofit for the Future programme, sponsored by UK Government's Technology Strategy Board from 2009-13, demonstrated innovative approaches to deep retrofitting of social housing, using a whole-house approach for achieving an 80% CO 2 reduction target. This paper critically examines the intent and outcomes of this programme (in which all authors participated) through a cross-project meta-study of the primary data, substantiated by insights from secondary sources. Given that only three (out of 45) projects met the expected CO 2 target in reality, despite generous funding and professional expertise, it suggests that decarbonizing existing housing will not be particularly easy. Important lessons are learnt from the formulation, target-setting, monitoring and evaluation procedures and feedback mechanisms of this initiative, which can inform the delivery and effectiveness of future national energy retrofit programmes. Furthermore, to support 'scaling up' of effective retrofit programmes and reduce the gap between intent and outcome, it is recommended that attention be moved from what level of CO 2 reductions are to be achieved, to how (delivery models) these radical reductions can be achieved, and by whom (supply chain). Such alternative delivery models to the 'whole-house' approach include, retrofit over time, city-scale retrofit and community-based energy retrofits.