Many people I’ve been speaking to recently have expressed frustration, helplessness and devastation at the recent geopolitical events in Europe, and have been asking themselves, what can they do to help?

In addition, for some time the world has been on a campaign to lessen its reliance on fossil fuels. It has been a slow process, but I believe that it will be accelerated as a result of the recent political tensions, as we also need to lesson our reliance on oil and gas from overseas sources.

I’d argue that these issues are two sides of the same coin.

If you have been feeling frustrated and helpless and asking what you can do to help, there is something you can do. It is widely published that 80% of buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built. This means that the building you work in, and the building you live in are most likely to still be around at that date. A date that is widely known as being a critical deadline in the reversal of climate change.

Our mission, therefore, is to improve the built environment to lessen the impact of fossil fuels by renovating the places you live and work, to make them more sustainable and to reduce their impact on the world. I see a world in which homes and workplaces have a positive impact on climate change and provide a healthy place to live and work.

I’m incredibly proud of the UK construction industry which collectively has key skills in modifying buildings so that you can take a positive step toward reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing the impact it has on the environment.

Over the last week, I have met with many business leaders from Architecture and Design, Engineering, Sustainability, Transportation, Surveying and Construction. Their message is unilateral - we stand ready to do our bit.

I call upon you as homeowners & leaders of industry, and I call upon Governments to take action now. The UK has one of the most forward-thinking, proactive construction industries in the world, and we stand ready to do our bit in changing the world to be a better place for all. I personally look forward to doing all I can in achieving that goal.

• Kenny Telfer is a director of Torridon, who are Chartered Quantity Surveyors. Its mission is to make an impact and change the face of Quantity Surveying by pioneering new systems and ways of working that give our clients clarity, certainty, and confidence.