Green computing has become part of the IT landscape. Every IT manager is aware of the environmental benefits of technologies such as virtualisation, PC power management, videoconferencing and others. And for as long as green IT cuts costs as well, there will be little resistance to such a strategy.

But if oil hits $200 a barrel, going green will be the least of your worries. Surging electricity prices would force a dramatic rethink of spending priorities.

The issue for IT leaders is not just about going green, it is also about not going into the red.