Photoreforming of lignocellulose is a promising approach toward sustainable H2 generation, but this kinetically challenging reaction currently requires UV-absorbing or toxic light absorbers under harsh conditions. Here, we report a cyanamide-functionalized carbon nitride, NCNCNx, which shows enhanced performance upon ultra-sonication. This activated NCNCNx allows for the visible-light driven conversion of purified and raw lignocellulose samples into H2 in the presence of various proton reduction co-catalysts. The reported room-temperature photoreforming process operates under benign aqueous conditions (pH ~2-15) without the need for toxic components.