I have a question, we have received a comment from a LEED reviewer requesting for the following information:

"Table 1.4 of the template appears to indicate that all the assembly U-value for the exterior walls in the Proposed model may not account for the thermal breaks due to the steel-framing portion of the construction assembly. Each construction assembly U-value is not a direct inverse of the insulation R-value for that construction assembly. The R-value of the insulation located between the steel framing must be de-rated when determining the assembly U-value for the exterior wall assembly to account for the reduced thermal resistance of the metal framing components. Revise the Proposed model, as needed, so that all components of the exterior wall construction assembly are accounted for when calculating the assembly U-value for assembly type in the actual design. In addition, update Table 1.4 reflecting the changes. Refer to Table A3.3 in ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004 for additional guidance regarding how to de-rate the R-value for insulation located between steel framing assemblies."

We have the following wall composition in the project (Based on arch dwgs): 5/8" Gypsum Board + Metal Stud every 24 in O.C. + 8in CMU Block with injected R8 + 5/8" Hardie Board

So we are updating the assembly based on table A3.1A (Ashrae 90.1-2004 Appendix A) with a U-0.125 (= R8 Assembly) however, since this table in my understanding is only accounting for the concrete block, the insulation and the metal framing, I have added the 5/8” gypsum board (layer 1) and the 5/8” hardie board (layer 7) to the modeled assembly as well. Has anybody had a similar comment? How did you addressed it? Thanks.