diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9146120
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+# Contributing to GreenCode
+
+Thank you for contributing to GreenCode.
+
+## Workflow
+
+1. Fork the repository.
+2. Create/select an issue that describes the problem clearly.
+3. Create a branch from `main`:
+   - `docs/<short-description>`
+   - `fix/<short-description>`
+   - `feat/<short-description>`
+4. Make focused changes that address one issue or one logical unit of work.
+5. Run local checks relevant to your change.
+6. Open a pull request and reference the issue (`Resolves #<issue_number>`).
+
+## Pull Request Guidelines
+
+- Use a concise, descriptive title.
+- Explain what changed and why it is useful.
+- Include test/verification steps.
+- Keep PR scope small and reviewable.
+
+## Commit Message Guidance
+
+Prefer conventional-style prefixes:
+- `docs: ...`
+- `fix: ...`
+- `feat: ...`
+- `refactor: ...`
+
+## Code and Documentation Standards
+
+- Follow existing project structure and naming style.
+- Update README/docs when setup or behavior changes.
+- Do not introduce breaking changes without justification and migration notes.
+
+## Security and Compliance
+
+- Never commit secrets (passwords, API keys, tokens).
+- Use sample environment files for configuration examples.
+- Preserve license/copyright notices where applicable.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 2decc67..432c4cf 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # GreenCode
 
 GreenCode is a full-stack system designed to support environmental, sustainability, and community-impact projects under Bos-Com.  
-It consists of a **Spring Boot backend API** and a **React frontend** (new addition), with future integrations planned.
+It consists of a **Spring Boot backend API**. A React frontend integration is planned for a future release.
 
 ---
 
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ It consists of a **Spring Boot backend API** and a **React frontend** (new addit
 - Dockerized for easy deployment
 - Swagger/OpenAPI documentation
 
-### Frontend (React)
+### Frontend (React) (planned)
 - Modern React (Create React App)
 - React Router for navigation
 - Axios for API communication
@@ -29,9 +29,74 @@ It consists of a **Spring Boot backend API** and a **React frontend** (new addit
 GreenCode/
 ├── src/                 # Spring Boot source code
 ├── config/              # external configuration & scripts
+├── scripts/             # helper scripts
 ├── docs/                # architecture, API docs
-├── greencode-frontend/  # React frontend (new)
 ├── pom.xml              # Maven build file
 └── docker-compose.yml   # Docker orchestration
 
+---
+## 🚀 Getting Started (Backend)
+### Prerequisites
+- Java 17+
+- Maven
+- Docker (optional, if you want to run via `docker-compose.yml`)
+
+### Configure environment variables
+Copy the example environment file and adjust values as needed:
+```bash
+# Linux/macOS/Git Bash
+cp env.example .env
+
+# Windows PowerShell
+Copy-Item env.example .env
+```
+
+### Run locally (no Docker)
+```bash
+mvn clean install
+mvn spring-boot:run
+```
+
+### Run with Docker Compose (optional)
+```bash
+docker-compose up -d --build
+```
+
+Note: this repository’s `Dockerfile` expects a Maven wrapper (`mvnw`). If your clone does not include `mvnw`, run locally with Maven instead (see above) or update the `Dockerfile`.
+
+---
+## 🧪 API Verification Checklist
+Use this quick checklist after starting the backend:
+
+1. Confirm service starts without startup exceptions.
+2. Open API docs (Swagger/OpenAPI) and verify endpoints are listed.
+3. Verify database connection using a simple read endpoint.
+4. Test one authenticated route after obtaining a token.
+5. Confirm logs do not expose sensitive credentials.
+
+---
+## 🤝 Contributing
+Contributions are welcome. To keep work consistent and reviewable:
+
+1. Fork this repository.
+2. Create an issue describing the problem and expected outcome.
+3. Create a branch from `main` using a clear name:
+   - `docs/...`
+   - `fix/...`
+   - `feat/...`
+4. Make focused changes and include documentation updates when behavior changes.
+5. Commit with professional messages (for example: `docs: ...`, `fix: ...`).
+6. Open a pull request with:
+   - clear summary,
+   - testing notes,
+   - issue reference (`Resolves #...`).
+
+Please avoid committing secrets (real API keys/passwords) and use example/environment templates instead.
+
+---
+## 🛠️ Troubleshooting (Quick)
+- **Port conflict on 8080:** stop conflicting process or map a different port.
+- **Database connection errors:** verify PostgreSQL container/service is running and env values are correct.
+- **Build failures:** run `mvn clean install` and re-check Java/Maven versions.
+- **Docker compose issues:** re-run with `docker-compose up -d --build` after config changes.