diff --git a/easybuild/build.py b/easybuild/build.py
index fc4fe93290..faac78efca 100644
--- a/easybuild/build.py
+++ b/easybuild/build.py
@@ -193,6 +193,11 @@ def main():
     if options.strict:
         filetools.strictness = options.strict
 
+    # Check if any modules are loaded which could influence the build process
+    bad_keys = ["$%s" % key for key in os.environ if key.startswith("SOFTROOT")]
+    if bad_keys:
+        log.error("You have some easybuild modules loaded: %s are set in your environment" % bad_keys)
+
     if options.job:
         submit_build_job(log)
         log.info("submitted job, exiting now")