The rapid advancement of construction technologies has heightened the global demand for sustainable buildings. In response, many countries have implemented green building systems to promote environmentally responsible development. Among these, the United States framework and Turkey’s National Green Certification System (YeS-TR), developed by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, are widely recognized. As building materials evolve, enhancing recyclability, reducing emissions, and improving both sustainability and aesthetic quality, their selection plays a critical role in achieving optimal environmental performance. This study presents a detailed review of material criteria in green building systems, focusing on a comparative analysis between the United States and Turkey. Key aspects examined include sustainable sourcing, life cycle assessment (LCA), embodied energy, waste management, and low-emission materials. While both systems prioritize material performance, their evaluation methodologies differ. The U.S. framework emphasizes internationally standardized benchmarks, whereas YeS-TR integrates more localized criteria reflecting Turkey’s environmental and regulatory context. This comparison highlights both similarities and differences in the application of material criteria and demonstrates how local context influences sustainability priorities. Overall, this review underscores the pivotal role of material criteria in green building systems and provides insights for enhancing sustainable material assessment practices in both developed and developing country contexts.