Green Credentials Verification Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

This Green Credentials Verification Policy ("this Policy") sets out the standards, criteria, process, and governance framework that App Town Technologies Ltd applies when evaluating whether a solution, product, or service is eligible for listing on the J-Uza Green Solutions Marketplace at www.j-uza.com.

J-Uza is a curated marketplace. Our founding promise to buyers is that every solution listed on the platform has been reviewed and verified against defined sustainability criteria before going live. This Policy is the document that gives that promise meaning. It applies to all solution providers applying to list on J-Uza, all existing listed providers, and any J-Uza staff or advisors involved in the verification process.

This Policy is informed by internationally recognised sustainability standards including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), GRI Standards, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, the Verra Verified Carbon Standard, Gold Standard, and IUCN guidelines. J-Uza's founder holds membership of both the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication (CEC) and the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law (CEL), which inform the integrity principles embedded in this framework.

2. Core Verification Principles

All verification decisions on J-Uza are made in accordance with the following principles:

Table 1: Core Verification Principles

3. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for listing on J-Uza, a solution must meet all six of the following mandatory criteria. Meeting some but not all is not sufficient for listing approval.

3.1 Criterion 1 — Verifiable Environmental Benefit

The solution must deliver a measurable, verifiable positive environmental impact. Acceptable categories of environmental benefit include:

• Carbon sequestration or reduction — verified tonnes of CO2 equivalent removed or avoided
• Renewable energy generation — verified kilowatt hours of clean energy produced or displaced
• Biodiversity conservation — verified area or species protection with measurable outcomes
• Water conservation or quality improvement — verified reduction in water use or improvement in water quality
• Waste reduction or circular economy — verified reduction in waste to landfill or increase in material recovery
• Sustainable land management — verified improvement in soil health, land use, or ecosystem services
• Energy efficiency — verified reduction in energy consumption per unit of output

Solutions that make only indirect or aspirational environmental claims without measurable outcomes will not be approved.

3.2 Criterion 2 — Third-Party Verification or Credible Methodology

J-Uza strongly prefers solutions with independent third-party verification from a recognised body. Where full third-party verification is not yet in place, the provider must demonstrate a credible, transparent methodology that is verifiable in principle. Recognised verification bodies include:

3.3 Criterion 3 — SDG Alignment

The solution must align with at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in a meaningful and demonstrable way. The provider must be able to explain specifically how their solution contributes to the identified SDG. Listing the SDG badge without a credible explanation is not sufficient.

The SDGs most relevant to J-Uza's marketplace include:

Table 3: SDG Alignment Reference

3.4 Criterion 4 — Regional Relevance

The solution must be available to buyers in at least one of J-Uza's two launch regions: East Africa (Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, or neighbouring countries) or the Gulf/UAE. Solutions with global coverage are eligible provided they can credibly serve buyers in these regions. Regional relevance is assessed on:

• Physical availability or delivery capability in the region
• Methodology calibrated to regional conditions (e.g. soil types, climate, energy infrastructure)
• Existing regional projects, installations, or clients
• Regulatory compliance in the relevant jurisdictions

3.5 Criterion 5 — Provider Legitimacy

The solution provider must be a legally registered entity in good standing in their jurisdiction of registration. Required documentation includes:

• Certificate of incorporation or business registration
• Proof of registered address
• Identification of beneficial owners and key principals
• Evidence of good standing (tax compliance certificate, company search, or equivalent)

Individuals operating as sole proprietors are eligible provided they can demonstrate professional credibility, relevant qualifications, and verifiable impact data for their solution.

3.6 Criterion 6 — No Net Harm

The solution must not cause material environmental harm in any dimension other than the one it claims to benefit. J-Uza applies a net harm assessment that considers:

• Supply chain environmental impact (materials sourcing, manufacturing, transport)
• End-of-life environmental impact (disposal, recyclability, biodegradability)
• Social and community impact in the regions where the solution operates
• Any known regulatory violations, environmental penalties, or litigation relating to the provider's operations

A solution that sequesters carbon but relies on environmentally destructive supply chain practices will not be approved without demonstrated remediation commitments.

4. Solution Categories

J-Uza organises verified solutions into the following categories. Each category has specific verification considerations noted below.

Table 4: Solution Categories and Verification Focus

5. Verification Process

Every solution provider goes through the following five-stage verification process before listing on J-Uza. No solution may be published on the platform without completing all five stages.

Stage 1 — Expression of Interest (Days 1–2)

The provider completes J-Uza's online Expression of Interest form. The form captures:

• Solution name and category
• Description of environmental benefit claimed
• Sustainability standards or certifications held
• Regional coverage
• SDG alignment
• Contact details and legal entity name

J-Uza acknowledges receipt within 2 business days. Incomplete applications are returned for completion before proceeding.

Stage 2 — Document Submission (Days 3–7)

Approved first-stage applicants are invited to submit the following documentation:

Table 5: Required Documentation

Stage 3 — Green Credentials Review (Days 8–14)

J-Uza reviews all submitted documentation against the six eligibility criteria in Section 3 of this Policy. The review is conducted by J-Uza's founder, Chepkoech Kerich, drawing on her expertise as a member of both the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication (CEC) and the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law (CEL).

The review assesses:

1. Is the environmental benefit claim verifiable and proportionate to the evidence provided?
2. Does the provider hold recognised third-party verification or demonstrate a credible methodology?
3. Is the SDG alignment genuine and meaningful rather than superficial?
4. Is the solution genuinely available to buyers in East Africa and/or the Gulf?
5. Is the provider a legitimate, registered entity in good standing?
6. Does the solution pass the no net harm assessment?

Where additional information is needed, J-Uza will request it in writing. Providers have 14 days to supply additional information before the application is placed on hold.

Stage 4 — Verification Decision (Days 15–21)

Following the review, J-Uza issues one of three decisions:

Table 6: Verification Decision Outcomes

All decisions are communicated to the provider in writing via email within the timeframes stated. J-Uza's decision is final at the point of initial review. Providers who believe a decision was made in error may submit a written request for reconsideration within 14 days, providing new evidence not previously submitted.

Stage 5 — Profile and Listing Setup

Approved providers complete their listing profile. Each listing must include:

• Solution name and category
• Clear description of environmental benefit with specific, quantified impact metrics where available
• SDG badges with a brief explanation of alignment
• Regional coverage — specific countries or 'global with East Africa/Gulf focus'
• Verification body name and certification reference number where applicable
• Certification expiry date where applicable
• Provider name (or 'Verified Founding Partner' where confidentiality is agreed)
• Call to action: Request a Demo, Request More Information, or Contact

J-Uza reserves the right to edit listing copy for clarity, accuracy, and consistency with this Policy. Providers will be notified of any edits before the listing goes live.

6. Green Credentials Scoring

J-Uza applies an internal scoring framework to each application to support consistent and transparent decision-making. Scores are not published externally but are used to inform listing quality and to prioritise Founding Partner status.

7. Ongoing Compliance and Re-Verification

7.1 Annual Re-Verification

All listed providers are subject to annual re-verification. J-Uza will contact providers 60 days before their anniversary listing date to initiate the re-verification process. Providers must submit updated documentation confirming:

• All certifications are current and have not expired
• Impact data has been updated to reflect the most recent measurement period
• The solution's environmental claims remain accurate and are not overstated
• No material changes to the provider's legal status, ownership, or operations

Failure to complete re-verification within 30 days of the request will result in the listing being suspended pending completion.

7.2 Triggered Re-Verification

J-Uza may initiate a triggered re-verification at any time if:

• A buyer raises a concern about the accuracy of a listing's environmental claims
• J-Uza becomes aware of new information that materially affects the provider's credentials
• A certification or verification body withdraws or suspends the provider's accreditation
• The provider makes material changes to their solution, methodology, or operations
• A regulatory investigation or enforcement action is initiated against the provider

7.3 Consequences of Non-Compliance

Table 8: Non-Compliance Consequences

8. Greenwashing — Zero Tolerance Policy

J-Uza operates a zero-tolerance policy on greenwashing. Greenwashing is defined for the purposes of this Policy as any environmental claim that:

• Overstates the environmental benefit of a solution beyond what evidence supports
• Uses vague, unsubstantiated language such as 'eco-friendly', 'sustainable', or 'green' without specific, measurable backing
• Omits relevant negative environmental impacts that would materially affect a buyer's assessment of the solution
• Uses certification logos or badges from bodies that have not actually verified the solution
• Claims SDG alignment without a credible, specific explanation of how the solution contributes
• Presents projected or aspirational impact as achieved impact

Where greenwashing is identified during the application process, the application will be rejected and the provider will not be eligible to reapply for 12 months. Where greenwashing is identified after a provider has been listed, the listing will be immediately removed and the Provider Terms and Conditions terminated. J-Uza reserves the right to publish a factual notice explaining the removal.

J-Uza's IUCN CEL membership informs our approach to environmental law compliance, including our understanding of jurisdictions where greenwashing carries regulatory and legal consequences for businesses.

9. Provider Confidentiality

J-Uza understands that some solution providers may not wish to be publicly named on the platform, particularly where commercial or competitive sensitivities apply. In such cases, J-Uza may list the solution with a category description and Founding Partner badge without naming the provider, provided:

• The provider's credentials have been fully verified in accordance with this Policy
• The provider provides written consent to their solution being listed anonymously
• The listing does not make any claim that relies on the provider's reputation or brand for verification

J-Uza will maintain complete and accurate records of all providers including those listed anonymously. These records are confidential and are not shared with third parties except as required by law or regulatory directive.

10. Policy Governance

10.1 Policy Owner

Policy Owner: Chepkoech Kerich, Founder and CEO, App Town Technologies Ltd
Review Frequency: Annually, or following any material change in international sustainability standards
Next Review Date: 30 June 2027
Version: 1.0 — effective 30 June 2026

10.2 Policy Updates

This Policy will be updated to reflect changes in international sustainability standards, new verification bodies, expanded solution categories, or lessons learned from the verification process. Providers will be notified of material changes to this Policy with a minimum of 30 days notice. The current version of this Policy is always available from J-Uza upon request.

10.3 Advisory Input

J-Uza draws on the following networks and frameworks in maintaining this Policy:

• IUCN Commission on Education and Communication (CEC) — conservation education and communication standards
• IUCN Commission on Environmental Law (CEL) — environmental law principles and compliance frameworks
• UN Sustainable Development Goals framework — SDG alignment methodology
• GRI Standards — sustainability reporting and materiality assessment
• Verra and Gold Standard — carbon verification methodology
• ISO 14001 — environmental management system standards

11. Contact

For questions about this Policy, the verification process, or the status of an application:

• Email: support@j-uza.com
• Website: www.j-uza.com
• Address: Tabere Crescent, 734A, Nairobi, Kenya 00505

Providers who wish to appeal a verification decision should submit their appeal in writing to support@j-uza.com within 14 days of receiving the decision, including any new evidence not previously considered.

J-Uza Green Solutions Marketplace | App Town Technologies Ltd © 2026 | Version 1.0
This policy is informed by IUCN CEC and CEL membership, UN SDG framework, GRI Standards, Verra, Gold Standard, and ISO 14001.