diff --git a/unit_tests/test_zaza_model.py b/unit_tests/test_zaza_model.py
index e7e315b..95bd7cb 100644
--- a/unit_tests/test_zaza_model.py
+++ b/unit_tests/test_zaza_model.py
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ class TestModel(ut_utils.BaseTestCase):
         self.get_current_model.return_value = 'modelsmodel'
 
         def _get_env(key):
-            return _env.get(key)
+            return _env[key]
         self.environ.__getitem__.side_effect = _get_env
         _env = {"JUJU_MODEL": 'envmodel'}
 
@@ -142,6 +142,20 @@ class TestModel(ut_utils.BaseTestCase):
         self.assertEqual(model.get_juju_model(), 'envmodel')
         self.get_current_model.assert_not_called()
 
+    def test_get_juju_model_alt(self):
+        self.patch_object(model.os, 'environ')
+        self.patch_object(model, 'get_current_model')
+        self.get_current_model.return_value = 'modelsmodel'
+
+        def _get_env(key):
+            return _env[key]
+        self.environ.__getitem__.side_effect = _get_env
+        _env = {"MODEL_NAME": 'envmodel'}
+
+        # JUJU_ENV environment variable set
+        self.assertEqual(model.get_juju_model(), 'envmodel')
+        self.get_current_model.assert_not_called()
+
     def test_get_juju_model_noenv(self):
         self.patch_object(model.os, 'environ')
         self.patch_object(model, 'get_current_model')
diff --git a/zaza/model.py b/zaza/model.py
index dccfb3b..863f4d7 100644
--- a/zaza/model.py
+++ b/zaza/model.py
@@ -51,8 +51,11 @@ def get_juju_model():
         # Check the environment
         CURRENT_MODEL = os.environ["JUJU_MODEL"]
     except KeyError:
-        # If unset connect get the current active model
-        CURRENT_MODEL = get_current_model()
+        try:
+            CURRENT_MODEL = os.environ["MODEL_NAME"]
+        except KeyError:
+            # If unset connect get the current active model
+            CURRENT_MODEL = get_current_model()
     return CURRENT_MODEL