Construction is a sector that has come under heightened scrutiny owing to its environmental effects, and as a result, there is a growing movement towards the use of sustainable materials. This chapter explores the issues of cost-effectiveness and market adoption of these sustainable alternatives relative to their conventional counterparts. The economic viability for the sustainability of the materials was assessed throughout their life cycle in terms of extraction, production, utilization, and end-of-life management by a detailed analysis. The chapter will thus capitalize on such a multidisciplinary approach in comparing the performances of renewable resources and recycled materials on the one hand and traditional ones on the other. This was achieved in relation to factors such as raw material availability, manufacturing processes, and long-term durability. It also identifies and analyzes barriers that prevent or restrain the broad application of the sustainable building material concept in the construction industry. These barriers are economic, regulatory, and sociocultural, thus pointing to challenges in market penetration and mainstream acceptance. It is on this background that this study attempts to articulate, for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers, ways of overcoming such barriers, and how transitions towards a sustainable built environment can be expedited.