diff --git a/pkg/controller/build/reconciler.go b/pkg/controller/build/reconciler.go
index 79d91de71e..6e961026c9 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/build/reconciler.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/build/reconciler.go
@@ -1390,6 +1390,12 @@ func (b *buildReconciler) reconcilePoolChange(ctx context.Context, mcp *mcfgv1.M
 	// In both cases, we need to create/continue a build
 	missingAnnotation := firstOptIn == ""
 
+	// No action needed if the rendered config has not changed.
+	if oldRendered == newRendered && !missingAnnotation {
+		klog.V(4).Infof("pool %q: Configuration unchanged (%s), no action needed", mcp.Name, oldRendered)
+		return nil
+	}
+
 	// This is our trigger point
 	// Create/continue a build if:
 	// 1. Config changed AND needs image rebuild, OR