About Us
About Us
Planning for Sustainability is an independent environmental consultancy specialising in the integration of sustainability principles into planning and design.
Founded in 2008, the firm combines deep technical expertise with strategic insight to deliver robust, evidence-based advice for complex and high-value developments.
Our work spans daylight and sunlight assessment, energy and carbon strategy, sustainability statements, and climate-resilience analysis.
We are trusted by architects, developers, and planning consultants to provide clear, defensible guidance that balances environmental performance with commercial and design objectives.
As a boutique consultancy, we maintain a personal, responsive approach while upholding the highest technical standards.
Every commission receives senior-level attention, ensuring that each project benefits from the experience, precision, and judgement that define Planning for Sustainability.
Our Approach
At Planning for Sustainability, every project is approached with the same principle: technical excellence is the foundation of credible advice.
We combine analytical depth with strategic perspective, ensuring that environmental performance is fully aligned with planning policy, design ambition, and commercial reality.
Our process is collaborative but disciplined.
We work closely with architects, planning consultants, and developers from concept through delivery — identifying risks early, focusing on solutions, and providing clear, defensible evidence at every stage.
As a boutique practice, our senior team remains directly involved in all work, guaranteeing quality, accountability, and continuity of insight.
The result is consultancy that is both rigorous and responsive — built on expertise, clarity, and trust.
Our Commitments
Expert Guidance
Tailored Solutions
Resilient Design
Environmental Stewardship
Leadership
The firm’s directors bring together strategic insight and deep technical expertise to guide every project.
Dr Samantha Bamford
Managing Director
Dr Samantha Bamford co-founded Planning for Sustainability in 2008 and has been instrumental in shaping its evolution into a boutique environmental consultancy recognised for technical depth and strategic clarity. She holds a first degree from St Hilda’s College, Oxford, and a PhD from Trinity College, Cambridge University — combining academic excellence with a distinctive commercial perspective.
After serving as Commercial Director, Dr Bamford assumed the role of Managing Director in response to rising client demand and the company’s expanding portfolio. She now oversees all client-facing operations, encompassing business development, strategic planning, and the cultivation of long-term relationships with high-profile clients.
Working closely with the Technical Director, she ensures the seamless integration of rigorous technical delivery with first-class client service. Dr Bamford remains committed to preserving the firm’s boutique character while delivering bespoke, high-value environmental consultancy tailored to each project’s specific context.
Paul Giesberg
Technical Director
Paul Giesberg co-founded Planning for Sustainability in 2008 and serves as the company’s Technical Director. A Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Scientist, he brings over two decades of experience in environmental assessment, sustainable design, and planning support for complex urban developments.
Paul leads the firm’s technical strategy and delivery, ensuring that every project meets the highest standards of analytical rigour and regulatory compliance. His expertise spans daylight and sunlight analysis, energy and carbon modelling, sustainability statements, and climate-resilience assessments.
Combining a scientific mindset with practical insight, Paul is known for translating complex technical data into clear, actionable guidance for design teams and clients. Working in close partnership with the Managing Director, he drives innovation and quality across all service areas, supporting Planning for Sustainability’s growth into a trusted provider of bespoke consultancy for technically demanding projects.
Contact Us
We’d be pleased to discuss how we can help guide your next project from concept to consent.
