BREMERTON —  Housing Kitsap was recently awarded the Regional Builder of the Year award by Northwest Energy Star Homes and its Washington utility partners, such as Puget Sound Energy.

According to an announcement, the Bremerton-based agency was selected for its “commitment to incorporating energy-efficient building techniques and design into its homes, practicing social responsibility within their communities, and providing their customers with improved comfort and reduced energy bills.”

Since 2009, Housing Kitsap built 100 Energy Star-qualified homes. The Regional Builder of the Year is given to one overall builder based on a range of criteria including the number of qualifying homes the builder constructed, use of the Energy Star brand in marketing and sales, and a commitment to meet or exceed Northwest Energy Star Homes standards.

Homes earning the nationally recognized Energy Star label are at least 15 percent more energy-efficient than homes built to current state codes in the Northwest, according to Energy Star.

In addition to Northwest Energy Star Homes, Housing Kitsap participates in the Home Builders Association of Kitsap County Built Green Program and PSE’s Single-Family New Construction program, which offers builders incentives that help offset the costs of installing higher efficiency measures in new construction homes. Incentives include discounts on Energy Star lighting and appliances such as clothes washers and refrigerators, as well as installation of high-efficiency equipment used for space and water heating.