Vision for a Regenerative Future
In order to achieve a more creative, connected and thriving society we must not only sustain, we must regenerate. The image below summarizes the collective efforts of Burning Man Project, the nonprofit, and members of the global Burning Man community. You can sign up for sustainability-related updates here or join Burning Man arts, culture, education, philosophy, and civic programs.
In Black Rock City we are decarbonizing our event operations and working closely with the camps, communities, and organizations that are making the transition to a more sustainable city possible. At Fly Ranch we’re building a year-round Burning Man rural center as a laboratory for the community to develop climate-resilient food, water, power, shelter, and waste systems. Globally, Burners Without Borders and Regional Network communities are empowering leaders and putting sustainability ideas into action in communities around the world. Additionally, we work in northern Nevada to support the Numu (Northern Paiute) communities whose land we visit through collaborative events, as well as ecological and educational projects.
2030 Environmental Sustainability Roadmap
Burning Man Project’s sustainability efforts are guided by the 2030 Environmental Sustainability Roadmap, which outlines three goals:
- No Matter Out of Place: Handle waste ecologically.
- Be Regenerative: Create a net-positive ecological impact.
- Be Carbon Negative: Remove more carbon from the environment than we contribute.
Net Zero Black Rock City
Net Zero Black Rock City is Burning Man Project’s core initiative focused on transitioning Black Rock City off of fossil fuels, and empowering camps and participants to reduce our collective emissions. We’ve integrated batteries into power grids, piloted R99 diesel and renewable propane, expanded solar infrastructure, deployed solar light towers, and more. Net Zero Black Rock City is funded through the generosity of impact-driven donors. Learn more about our progress to transition Black Rock City off of fossil fuels (OFF) and the role camps and participants play in reducing our collective emissions. Learn more here.
Participant-led Initiatives
Black Rock City participants have been actively engaged in sustainability initiatives for many years, and participant-led initiatives are crucial to achieving the goals of the Roadmap. Camps like the Alternative Energy Zone have modeled generator-free camping. Earth Guardians promote workshops, trainings, and Leave No Trace activities. Programs like the Playawide Compost Program, the BLAST camp sustainability rating system, and the Green Corridor promote waste diversion and sustainable infrastructure. Groups like the Renewables for Artists Team (RAT) support artists in integrating renewable energy into their work. Visit our Stories and Progress page for more examples of innovative projects from the community.
Plug in Today!
Wherever you are in the world, here are some of the exciting ways YOU can get plugged into Burning Man Project’s global sustainability efforts:
- Join the Green Theme Camp Community, a network for camp organizers and subject matter experts working towards sustainable camps.
- Sign your camp up for BLAST, a sustainability rating system offering a framework for resource-efficient camps.
- Register for the Playawide Compost Program.
- Become a mentor or sign up for mentorship for renewably powered projects with Renewables for Artists.
- Invite Burning Man to support you in the BRC Sustainability Contributors form.
- Support your local Regional Event in becoming a ‘Green Regional.’
- Get your organization involved in the Black Rock City Net Zero Initiative — BRC is a sandbox for innovation!
- Read the Green Resource Guide for information and tips on how to build a more sustainable theme camp and reduce your carbon footprint in Black Rock City.
- Tap into Sustainability Resources on Burning Man Hive.
- Contribute funding to programs creating impact in the world:
If you have questions or would like more information, email sustainability@burningman.org