Buildings consume energy at different levels in every stage of the life cycle. Building materials occupy a great share of this consumption. Therefore, the amount of energy consumed by materials used in buildings during their life cycle is an important parameter in determining the energy efficiency of the building. In this study, the importance of energy-efficient material selection in designing an “Energy-Efficient Building” is considered and discussed. It is possible to evaluate some building materials in Turkey in the framework of energy-efficient building material criteria. This information is considered as a guide for users and employees of the building sector. As a result of the study, the selection of building materials and energy-efficient features of building materials are important parameters for the provision of energy efficiency.

Energy consumption is rapidly increasing due to the increase in population and urbanization. Residential energy requirements vary from region to region, depending on climate, dwelling type, and level of development. Construction activities consume 38% of the globally used energy every year. There is a growing concern about energy consumption in buildings and its possible adverse impacts on the environment. These are issues that the building professions in the whole world have to address. In Turkey, regarding energy efficiency, in the process of EU (European Union) membership, in 2007, the “Energy Efficiency Law” was accepted. In this context, “The Regulation of Energy Performance in the Buildings” which was enacted in 2010, aimed to increase the energy performance in the buildings. In accordance with this regulation, primarily, it is targeted to make the newly constructed buildings which have an “Energy Identity Certificate”.