A system for supporting exterior panels or cladding units on a building substrate. The system includes a plurality of polymeric bracket members, wherein each of the polymeric bracket members further includes an anchor section, adapted to be coupled to the building substrate, and a support section adapted to couple to the exterior cladding unit. In assembly, as disposed between the building substrate and the exterior cladding units, the polymeric bracket members provide a thermal break from the exterior cladding units to the building substrate.