The Retro-Tek research project investigates the potential of existing buildings in the UK contributing towards the EU 2050 CO2 target, through a sustainable retrofit programme aimed specifically at empty homes. It proposes a novel design and procurement methodology to bring empty homes back into use, integrate sustainable technologies and materials and offer them back to the market. Along with the obvious environmental sustainability benefits, it also assists communities and areas in need of regeneration, supporting the developments to both help address housing shortages and tackle socio-economic problems with empty, dilapidated dwellings. The project has formed a consortium of stakeholders and established unique design and procurement processes and methodologies relevant to the sustainable retrofit process.