When Xavier University reopened just four months after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, the staff was focused on reconstruction and put planned facility improvements on hold. In 2008, Xavier turned to long-time partner Siemens to develop a performance contract aimed at reducing energy costs from aging infrastructure and lingering hurricane issues. Together, Siemens and Xavier are implementing $4.3 million in upgrades to save more than $5.53 million in energy costs.