The low-carbon transformation of the construction industry is a crucial component of achieving sustainable development. Green building materials, characterized by low emissions, low energy consumption, and recyclability, serve as a key material foundation for low-carbon management in construction projects. This paper investigates the application of green building materials and the low-carbon management framework for construction projects, elucidates relevant theoretical foundations, identifies current shortcomings and challenges in management across design, construction, and operational phases, and proposes a comprehensive low-carbon management pathway spanning the entire lifecycle. It also outlines safeguard measures at the standards, technology, and management levels. The research contributes to refining low-carbon management models, fostering deeper integration of green building materials with construction practices, enhancing carbon reduction throughout the entire lifecycle, and providing actionable insights for the industry’s low-carbon development.